MRS.  RAFORD,  HUMANIST 

A  DRAMA  IN  THREE  ACTS 
By  LEANDO  BROWN 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


GIFT  OF 

1*3.  Ben  B.  Lindsey 


Vi:S). 


MRS.  RAFORD,  HUMANIST 


L.  E.  LANDONE.  Inc. 
New  York — London 


MRS.  RAFORD,  HUMANIST 

A  SUFFRAGE  DRAMA 

BY 
LEANDO  BROWN 


E.    LANDONE,    Inc. 

575  West  159  Street 

NEW  YORK 

2  Whitehall  Court 

LONDON,  S.  W. 


COPYRIGHTED   BY 

LEANDO    BROWN 

1912 

[all  Rights  Reserved] 


AUTHOR'S   WORD 


The  paragraphing  of  single  lines  is  not  an 
attempt  to  imitate  blank  verse.  It  is  done  for 
ease  in  reading  only. 

There  is  no  assumption  of  literary  merit — 
only  a  sincere  desire  that  the  message  the  book 
contains  will  be  of  value  to  both  man  and 
woman. 

The  book  is  intended  as  a  reading  play;  an 
acting  version  is  prepared  in  manuscript  form. 

The  author's  thanks  are  due  to  Mr. 
Broughton  Tall  for  helpful  collaboration  and  to 
Mr.  Luther  Anthony  for  critical  advice. 

Leando  Brown. 


Author's  Club 
2  Whitehall  Court 

LONDON,  S.  W. 


August  29th,  1912. 


JL'U'OXc^O 


PERSONS 

The  mother Mrs.  Leland-Raford 

The  son Richard  Leland-Raford 

The  daughter Gertrude  Leland-Raford 

The  suffragist Miss  Mabel  Leland 

The  child Dick 

The  doctor Paul    Fawtell 

The  trustees Mr.  Coleman 

Mr.  Farson 

The  tenant Jean    Cairns 

The  nurse Miss  Brainard 


ACT  I 

Scene — Tenement  Room. 

Time — Late  Winter  Afternoon  Seven  Years  Ago. 

ACT  II 

Scene — Library,  Raford  Home. 
Time—Jvti'E.  Morning  Seven  Years  Later. 

ACT  III 

Scene — Same  as  Act  II. 

Time — Afternoon,  One  Week  Later. 


MRS.  RAFORD,  HUMANIST 


ACT  I 

Scene.  A  room  in  a  cheap  tenement.  The  monotony 
of  hare,  discolored  walls  is  broken,  on  the  left  by  a 
projection  with  slanting  ceiling,  marking  stairway 
to  floor  above,  and  in  the  rear  by  a  window  with 
small  panes,  one  broken  and  stuffed  with  rags,  the 
others  affording  a  glimpse  of  a  small  narrow  court 
beyond.  There  are  two  doors.  One  to  the  left  lead- 
ing to  another  room,  shut  off  by  a  thread-bare  dirty 
curtain.  The  other  to  rear  right,  leading  to  hallway. 
The  bareness  of  the  room  is  heightened  by  the 
meagre  furnishing,  consisting  of  a  plain  wooden 
table  half  down  stage  right,  with  small  unlighted 
lamp,  three  rough,  unpainted  chairs  and  a  few  cook- 
ing utensils  hanging  from  wall  of  projection.  A 
battered  sink  with  faucets,  down  stage  right,  adds 
to  the  general  wretchedness;  a  cook  stove  to  rear 
of  sink  only  heightens  the  prevailing  coldness.  A 
white  nurses'  table,  with  alcohol  lamp,  etc.,  down 
stage  from  projection,  and  a  partially  installed  tele- 
phone on  the  right  wall — both  foreign  to  their  en- 
vironment— serve  as  the  only  reminders  of  another 
and  brighter  world. 

It  is  late  afternoon  and  the  few  stray  shafts  of  fading 
light  are  engulfed  in  the  deepening  gloom  of  the 
apartment. 

Large  feathery  flakes  fall  silently  past  the  window. 
It  has  been  snowing  since  midday. 

The  curtain  rises  slowly,  disclosing  a  man,  a  mechanic 
in  working  costume,  installing  telephone  on  the 
right.  He  finishes  after  a  few  seconds  and  puts 
receiver  to  his  ear. 


10  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

Man. 
{Over  phone.) 
Hello,  exchange !   New  installation.   Give  me  a 
ring,  please. 

{Bell  rings  clearly.) 
All  right,  thank  you. 
Good-bye. 

{Hangs  up  receiver  and  begins  collecting 
his  tools.) 

(Jean,  the  tenant,  enters  from  hallway.  A 
Scotch  woman,  past  middle  age,  rather 
stout,  zuith  a  round,  genial,  sympathetic 
countenance.  She  carries  a  bundle  of 
wood  and  is  out  of  breath  from  her 
climb.  Puts  down  wood  and  stands, 
hands  on  hips,  watching  the  man.) 

Jean. 
{Breaking  silence.) 
You're  no'  puttin'  o'  they  telephones  in  mony 
rooms  doun  this  way? 
Are  ye  ? 

Man. 
No. 
You  must  be  blowin'  yourself  ! 

Jean. 

It  disna  come  oot  o'  ma  pouch ! 

But,  it's  nae  wonder  you're  surprised!  We're 
havin'  lots  o'  things  we're  nae  accustomed  tae! 
When  the  poor  lassie  ben  there  came  six  weeks  ago 
I  had  no  money  to  pay  the  rint  an'  she'd  but  a  wee 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  ii 

bit  to  buy  food;  yet  we  got  oon!  But  e'er  since 
that  bonnie  Miss  Raford's  been  ta'an  care  o'  her, 
we've  had  aa'  kin'  o'  things  tae  eat  an'  plenty  o' 
wood  tae  burrn !  Just  look  at  that  table  o'er 
there ! 

(Points  to  NuRSE''s  table.) 

Is  that  no  real  neat  ? 

And  noo  we  hae  a  telephone  ! 

Since  Miss  Raford  been  comin'  here,  her  mither 
insistet  that  we  should  hae  a  telephone  in  the 
hoose,  so  she  could  keep  in  touch  wi  her  daugh- 
ter. 

Man. 

What  Raf ords  ? 

Jean. 

What  Rafords  ? 

Are  there  mair  than  one  family  o'  the  Rafords  ? 

If  the  government  kenned  hoo  stoopeed  ye 
Irish  are  they'd  keep  ye  oot  o'  the  States. 

Rafords  ? 

It's  the  Mrs.  Leland-Raford  wha  lives  on  Fifth 
Avenue. 

There's  one  o'  they  art  galleries  and  a  palm 
garden  and  a  Turkish  bath  richt  inside  her  ain 
hoose. 

(Looks  around  room.) 

Man. 
Are  these  her  tenements  ? 

Jean. 
Yes !    I  suppose  she  disna  care  how  they  are, 
but  the  young  Miss  Raford  dis. 


12  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

She's  been  doun  here  every  day  for  three  weeks 
tae  tak  care  o'  the  sick  lassie,  ben  there. 

And  her  brother  comes  tae. 

They  brought  her  a  nurse  and  a  doctor. 

Oh,  they  dae  things  real  weel  whin  they  ance 
begin. 

Man. 
(Looks  about  room.) 

These  rooms  could  stand  a  little  steam  heat,  a 
few  electric  lights  and  a  tile  bath  or  two. 

Jean. 
A  tile  bath ! 

(Also  glances  about  and  shivers.) 
I  hope  to  goodness  they'll  put  in  a  new  pane  o' 
glass  afore  the  weather  is  much  caulder. 
(Goes  to  stove.) 
(Man  finishes  gathering  tools  and  is  about 

to  leave.) 
(Walks  heavily  to  door.) 
Can  ye  nae  be  quiet? 
Didna  I  tell  ye  there's  a  sick  lassie  ben  there. 

Man. 

( Exiting. ) 
So  long,  old  girl ! 

Jean. 

(Calling  after  him,  seemingly  provoked.) 
Awa  wi  ye;  ye  nasty  craitur! 

(Sarcastically.) 
Tak  the  stairs ! 
They  lift  is  nae  working  the  day  ! 

(Laughs  at  her  own  joke.) 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  13 

Lift !     It'll  be  a  lang,  lang  day  afore  there's  a 
lift  in  this  hoose. 

(Jean  busies  herself  about  fire.) 
(Nurse  enters  from  sick  room  carrying  a 
glass.) 

Nurse. 
(To  Jean.) 
Is  the  phone  ready  ? 

Jean. 
Yes,  he  just  left,  Miss. 

Nurse. 

(Sets  glass  on  table,  goes  to  phone.) 
I'm  glad  it's  in ;  she's  worse ! 

(Over  phone.) 
Main  2670,  please. 

(Jean  watches  intently   Nurse's  use  of 
phone,  showing  she  does  not  understand 
its  use.) 
Hello. 

{Pause.) 
Doctor  Fawtell? 

{Pause.) 
This  is  Miss  Brainard. 

{Pause.) 
Yes. 
The  phone's  just  in. 

{Pause.) 
Yes. 

{Pause.) 
Yes. 

{Pause.) 


14  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

She  is  worse,  very  much  worse. 

(Pause.) 
Yes. 

(Pause.) 
I  think  you'd  better  come  at  once. 

( Relieved. ) 
Thank  you. 

(Jean  heaves  a  sigh  of  relief;  Nurse  hangs 
up  receiver;  goes  to  nurse  table,  turns 
out  blase  of  alcohol  lamp,  takes  cup  and 
exits  to  sick  room.  Jean  moves  up  to 
phone,  looks  it  over,  handling  cord, 
touching  different  parts — phone  rings 
suddenly,  Jean  jumps  back  astounded, 
fearing  she  has  caused  the  ring;  she 
comes  near  again,  the  ring  is  repeated; 
she  looks  toward  bed  room  door;  then 
bravely  takes  down  receiver  and  speaks 
into  it.) 

Jean. 
Hello. 

(Pause.) 

(Sees  her  mistake,  puts  receiver  to  ear.) 
Yes,  Mrs.  Raford,  this  is  me. 

(Pause.) 
Me. 

(Pause.) 
Jean  Cairns. 
(Pause.) 
Yes,  he  just  fixed  it. 
(Pause.) 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  15 

No,  Miss  Gertrude  is  gone  out. 

(Pause.) 
I'll  tell  her. 
Hello!    Hello! 
Yes. 

Yes,  I'll  tell  her 

(Enter    Gertrude,    in    street    costume, 

through  hall  door.) 
She  is  a  girl  of  eighteen,   graceful   and 
pretty,  zvith  features  moulded  by  genera- 
tions   of    cultured    refinement    and    a 
countenance,  naturally  bright  yet  shozv- 
ing  that  she  is  highly  conscious  of  the 
suffering  near  her. 
(Into  phone.) 
She's  comin'  right  noo ! 
(Pause.) 
(Turns,  looks  at  Gertrude,  and  signals  to 

her.) 
(Into  phone.) 
Juist  wait  a  meenit ! 
Here's  Miss  Raford  noo ! 

Gertrude. 
(Pleased.) 
Oh,  the  phone's  in! 
(To  Jean.) 

Who  is  it? 

Jean. 
Yer  mither. 

Gertrude. 
(Goes  to  phone;  to  Jean.) 


i6  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

Thank  you. 

(Jean    sits    down,    holds    herself,    com- 
pletely exhausted  by  the  unusual  strain.) 

(Over  phone.) 
Hello,  mother  dear. 

(Pause.) 
Yes,  mother. 

(Pause.) 
No. 

(Pause.) 
No,  I  can't. 

(Pause.) 
Yes,  she's  very  ill. 

(Pause.) 
And,  mother,  there's  a  little  baby  now,  too ! 

Jean. 
(To  herself.) 
A  wee  bairnie  and  sae  clever ! 

Gertrude. 
Yes,  born  early  this  morning. 

(Smiles.) 
But,  mother,  it  wouldn't  be  right  for  me  to 
leave. 

(Pause.) 
Coming  down  here  after  me? 

Jean. 
(Overcome  zvith  astonishment.) 
Losh  me ! 

Gertrude. 
(Joyfully.) 
Please  do ! 
Yes,  please  do. 


Mrs.  Raford^  Humanist  17 

Jean. 
(JVhispering.) 
Is  yer  mither  comin'  here? 

Gertrude, 

{Nodding  to  Jean.) 

{Over  phone.) 
Yes,  do ;  then  you  can  see  conditions  for  your- 
self. 

(Jean  looks  about  room.) 

(Gertrude's  face  becomes  very  serious.) 
Mother,  I  haven't  exaggerated  at  alll 
It's  really  frightful! 

(Jean  nods  affirmingly.) 
Why  I  didn't  know  such  places  even  existed. 
And  to  think  we  own  such  tenements ! 

{Pause.) 
Yes,  I  do  want  you  to  see  the  buildings  your- 
self. 

{Pause.) 
What's  that? 

{Pause.) 
Aunt  Mabel? 

{Pause.) 
Yes,  ask  her  to  come  with  you. 
I'm  sure  she  won't  mind. 

{Pause.) 
Good-bye. 

{Pause.) 


Yes. 
Yes. 


{Pause.) 
(Pause.) 


i8  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

Third  floor,  rear. 

(Pause.) 
Yes.    Good-bye,  mother. 

(Gertrude    hangs    up    receiver,    removes 
wraps.) 

Jean. 
Is  yer  mither  really  comin'  ? 

Gertrude. 
Yes,  Mrs.  Cairns. 

Jean. 
And  yer  auntie,  too  ? 

Gertrude. 
Yes,  Aunt  Mabel's  coming  with  her. 

(Jean  bustles  about,  attempting  to  make 

things  more  presentable.) 
(Gertrude  looks  about  room,  shivers.) 

Gertrude. 
It's  so  cold  here! 
Can't  we  get  a  little  more  heat,  someway? 

Jean. 
Cauld? 

No,  Miss,  it's  real  cozy  the  noo! 
Tho'  it  was  vera  draughty  in  here  some  o'  they 
cauld  days  afore  we  had  plenty  o'  wood. 

(Jean   goes   to   stove   and  stirs   up   fire 

again.) 
(Enter  Nurse.) 

Gertrude. 
(Looking  to  sick  room.) 
How  is  she? 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  19 

Nurse. 
(Hesitating.) 
Worse,  much  worse.     I  don't  think  she'll  live 
through  the  night. 

Jean. 
She  nae  goin'  to  dee,  is  she? 

Nurse. 
I'm  afraid  your  little  friend  can't  live. 

(Gertrude  is  silent,  her  face  showing  how 
deeply  she  is  affected.) 
Jean. 
(Brokenly.) 
I  dinna  ken  she  was  sae  bad ;  I  dinna  ken  it ! 
(Breaks  down  crying.) 
(Doctor  Fawtell  enters  hurriedly  from 
rear  center.     Carries  instrument  case.) 
(He  is  young,  well  built,  good  looking, 
dignified,  but  genial.    A  man  of  the  bet- 
ter sort.) 

Nurse. 
Good  afternoon,  Doctor. 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
(Nods  to  Nurse  and  to  Jean  ;  takes  Ger- 
trude's hand.) 
(To  Gertrude.) 
How's  Lady  Bountiful? 

Gertrude, 
Very  well,  Paul,  thank  you,  but  I'm  sad. 
(Looks  tozvard  sick  room.) 
Dr.  Fawtell. 
Yes,  I  understand. 

(Nurse  exits  to  sick  room.) 


20  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

Gertrude. 
(Taking    his    hat    and    shaking    snow 
from  it.) 
Didn't  brother  come  with  you? 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
I  haven't  seen  him  today. 
Hasn't  he  been  here? 

Gertrude. 
No,  he  hasn't. 
But  I  won't  scold  him. 
It's  the  first  day  he's  missed. 

(  Enthusiastically. ) 
He's  really  interested  in  slum  work  now. 

(Smiling.) 
He's  been  here  with  me  every  day  the  poor 
girls'  been  ill. 

(Pause.) 
I'm  afraid  she's  much  worse,  Paul. 
Dr.  Fawtell. 
(Opening  medicine  case.) 
Yes,  I  know. 

Gertrude. 
(Taking  hold  of  his  arm.) 
Can't  you  save  her,  Paul? 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
I'll  do  everything  I  can — how's  the  baby  ? 

Jean. 
He's  that  happy,  and  tae  think  he  dinna  ken  he 
may  soon  lose  his  mither. 

Gertrude. 
Poor  little  thing. 
(Pause.) 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  2  I 

What  will  become  of  him? 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
They'll  send  him  to  some  foundling's  home,  I 
suppose. 

(Doctor  Fawtell  goes  into  sick  room.) 

Gertrude. 
(To  Jean.) 
Hasn't  she  said  a  word  about  the  father? 

Jean. 
Niver  a  word ! 

Gertrude. 
Isn't  it  strange  he  doesn't  come  to  her. 

Jean. 
It  would  be  vera  strange  if  he  did  come,  Miss. 
He's  the  kind  that  niver  come  back. 

They  wealthy  young  lads  f rae  the  big  families ; 
they  dinna  think  onything  o'  forgettin'  a  lassie 
like  her. 

Gertrude. 
Oh,  but  he  couldn't  be  of  good  family. 

Jean. 
Yes  he  could,  Miss.    I  hae  seen  mony  a  poor 
lassie  wooed  and  won — and  then  cast  awa  by 
the  wayside  like  a  tashed  rosie ! 

And,  by  lads,  o'  the  best  families,  too ! 
Gertrude. 
(Slozvly  and  thoughtfully.) 
But,  how  can  he  stay  away  at  such  a  time  as 
this? 

(Richard  opens  hall  door  and  enters; 
closes  door  quietly  with  right  hand  be- 
hind him.    He  is  young,  slight  of  build, 


22  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

with  a  kind,  emotional  countenance,  fea- 
tures zvell  formed,  refined,  even  hand- 
some, hut  shozving  plainly  the  effects  of 
youthfid  recklessness  and  dissipation. 
His  whole  frame  is  tense,  indicating 
the  struggle  for  self-control.) 

Richard. 
Sister,  dear! 

Gertrude. 
{Turns,  sees  him,  rushes  to  him.) 
Oh,  Richard ! 

Jean. 
Guid  afternoon,  Mr.  Raford. 

Richard. 
Good  afternoon. 

{To  Gertrude,  taking  her  in  his  arms.) 
Is  my  little  sister  almost  tired  out? 

Gertrude. 
No,  but  I'm  worried  about  a  lot  of  things. 

Nurse, 
{Appearing  in  doorway  of  sick  room.) 
{To  Gertrude.) 
Will  you  come  here  a  moment,  please,  Miss 
Gertrude? 

Gertrude. 
(To  ^urse.) 
Certainly. 

{To  Richard.) 
I'll  be  back  in  just  a  moment,  Richard. 
{Leaves  him  and  exits  to  sick  room.) 
{Richard  lays  hat  on  table,  nervously.) 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  23 

Richard. 


{To  Jean.) 
How  is  she? 

Real  badly,  sir. 

Worse  ? 


Jean. 

Richard. 

Jean. 


Yes,  sir. 

Ever  since  the  bairnie  was  born. 
Richard. 
{Breathlessly.) 
When? 

Jean. 
Early  this  mornin',  sir! 

Richard. 

A ? 

Jean. 
A  laddie,  sir. 

{Richard  looks  toward  sick   room   door, 
grips  hands,  remains  silent.) 
And  tae  think  the  f aither  has  left  her ! 

{Pause.) 
I  hae  niver  seen  him,  but  I  hae  seen  ithers  like 
him  and  I  hae  seen  mony  lassies  juist  like  her. 
They  aa'  gang  the  same  way. 
I  hae  seen  mair  than  one  lassie  travel  that  road. 
It's  aa'  glitter  at  first,  it's  real  bright  most  o' 
the  way. 

The  dark  disna  come  til  the  end. 
But  sooner  or  later  they  awa  find  they're  oot  o' 
the  heather  and  into  the  thistles ! 


24  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

(Dr.  Fawtell  enters.) 
Dr.  Fawtell. 

(Advancing.) 
Richard ! 

(To  Jean.) 
Miss  Brainard  needs  you,  Mrs.  Cairns. 

Jean. 
(Going  toward  sick  room.) 
How  is  she,  Doctor? 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
Very  ill. 

(Jean  exits.) 

Richard. 
(Clutching  Dr.  Fawtell's  arm.) 
Dangerously  ? 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
Yes. 

Richard. 
But  there's  a  chance? 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
(Placing  hand  on  Richard's  shoulder.) 
I'm  afraid  not. 

Richard. 
But  there  must  be,  Paul. 
She  must  get  well ! 

(Pause.) 
Paul,  she  mustn't  die ! 
She  mustn't  die! 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
(Looking    nervously     toward    sick-room 
door.) 
Sh ! — quietly ! 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  25 

Richard. 
I  want  to  do  the  right  thing ! 
I  must — I  will  do  the  right  thing ! 
Paul,  I'm  going  to  marry  her ! 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
No,  no! 

That'd  be  foolish,  Richard ! 
Foolish ! 
It  won't  do  any  good  now. 

Richard. 
But  it's  due  her. 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
But  think  of  yourself. 

Richard. 
I've  thought  of  that. 
I've  fought  it  all  out. 
It's  the  only  decent  thing  to  do ! 

(Takes  paper  from  inside  pocket.) 
I've  a  marriage  license ! 
I  got  it  this  morning ! 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
(Looking  directly  at  Richard.) 
A  marriage  license? 

Richard. 
Yes,  and  I'm  going  to  marry  her,  I  tell  you ! 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
But  that's  rank  folly,  Richard. 
Think  of  your  mother,  of  Gertrude,  the  dis- 
grace you'd  bring  upon  both  of  them. 
It  wouldn't  do  any  good,  anyway. 
She  can't  get  well. 


26  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

Richard. 

But  she  may. 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
{Lights  dim.) 
No,  she  can't. 

Richard. 
But  she  must ! 

We'll  take  her  away  from  here! 
To  decent  surroundings — where's  there's  good 
air,  light,  heat,  sunshine! 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
But  she  can't  get  well,  Richard. 

Richard. 
Why  not? 

If  we  take  her  away  from  this  hole,  why  can't 
she  get  well? 

The  chances  are  ten  to  one  against  her  here ! 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
(Slowly.) 
The  chances  are  ten  to  one  against  her  any- 
where. 

(Lights  dimnier.) 
She  never  had  a  fighting  chance. 

Richard. 
What  do  you  mean  ? 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
She  was  striken  from  the  first. 
(Room  darker.) 

Richard. 
Stricken ? 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  27 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
Yes. 

(Pause.) 
Don't  you  understand  ? 

Richard. 
(Dazed.) 
No — What  do  you  mean? 
(Room  still  darker.) 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
You  know  the  Hfe  you've  lived. 
You  know  the  condition  you  were  in  last  year ! 

Richard. 
Oh,  my  God,  Paul ! 

You  don't  mean ? 

You  don't  mean  to  tell  me ! 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
Yes. 

(Richard  sinks  into  chair.) 

(Shoves  license  into  right  side  lower  coat 

pocket.) 
(Pause.) 

Richard. 

Poor  little  girl,  poor  little  mother ! 

(Pause.) 
Paul? 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
Yes. 

(Pause.) 

Richard. 
The  little  fellow ! 
Will  it  affect  him  also  ? 


28  Mrs.  Raford^  Humanist 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
I  hope  not. 

Richard. 
Does  it  usually  affect  the  child? 


Dr.  Fawtell. 
Richard. 


Sometimes. 

How? 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
Progressive  deterioration ! 
The  hearing, — the  eyes, — sometimes  the  brain. 

Richard. 
(In  half  zvhispcr.) 

Oh,  my  God,  Paul !    It's  awful ! 

But  I  wasn't  to  blame !    I  wasn't  to  blame ! 

All  the  boys  live  the  same  life. 

You're  the  only  exception  I  know  of. 

We're  led  on  by  older  men ;  they  never  seem  to 
get  in  trouble! 

I  didn't  know  what  I  was  doing. 

Life  has  always  been  so  easy. 

I've  never  had  to  think  of  anything ;  Pve  never 
had  to  care  for  anything. 

Life  has  been  a  gay  time,  money  plentiful,  time 
my  own,  and  youth,  health — everything  to  waste ! 

Oh,  if  I  could  undo  the  whole  thing,  all  the 
wrong,  all  the  misery,  all  the  suffering ! 

I  can't  stop  thinking  about  this  thing!  I  can't 
sleep ! 

All  night  long,  I  think  and  think  and  think  I 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  29 

I  can't  think  of  anything  but  that  poor  girl 
in  there. 

You  say  she  can't  get  well,  Paul  1 

My  God,  she  must  get  well,  she  must  get  well ! 

If  she  dies ! 

I've  been  a  selfish,  heartless,  lustful  beast ! 
Dr.  Fawtell. 

You're   selfish   and — thoughtless,  but   you're 
good  at  heart. 

Richard. 

But  I'm  not,  Paul. 

My  passion  has  ruined  me.    It's  killing  her ! 

Dr.  Fawtell. 

Come,  come,  Richard. 

This  is  your  test. 

You  can  yet  make  a  man  of  yourself. 

Many  a  fellow  has  made  a  worse  start. 

Your  life  is  only  begun. 

I  know  it's  a  hard  lesson. 

But  the  future  is  before  you. 

You  can  do  with  it  what  you  please. 
Richard. 

Oh,  Paul,  if  I  only  could!     I  want  to.     God 
knows  I  want  to ! 

Dr.  Fawtell. 

You  can. 

Give  up  the  life  you're  leading. 

Determine  to  be  of  use  in  the  world. 

Prepare  yourself  for  a  profession — medicine  or 
law,  or  something. 

You  have  ability — capacity. 

Think  of  your  father. 


30  Mrs.  Raford^  Humanist 

Think  of  his  career. 

We've  a  right  to  expect  big  things  of  you? 

(Affectionately.) 
I'll  help  you,  Richard. 
I'll  stand  by  you. 
You'll  make  the  fight,  won't  you? 

Richard. 
Yes,  Paul,  I'll  try. 
I'll  do  my  best. 

(Room  darker.) 

(Footsteps  are  heard  on  the  stairway  and 
voices  in  the  corridor.  Door  to  rear 
opens  and  oil  lamp  on  hall  wall  reveals 
two  well  dressed  women.) 
(Miss  Leland  enters,  followed  by  Mrs. 
Raford.) 

(Miss  Leland  is  an  unmarried  woman, 
thirty-five,  dignified  and  distinguished  in 
appearance.  An  aristocrat  without  a 
trace  of  snobbishness.  The  result  of  a 
thorough  education  and  a  sensible  and 
highly  perceptive  mind.) 

(Mrs.  Raford,  her  sister,  and  senior,  well 
built,  and  good  looking.  The  typical 
society  matron,  distinguished  and  highly 
aristocratic.  Reserved  after  the  manner 
of  her  station,  but,  with  all,  kind  and 
sympathetic.  Her  perspective  and  execu- 
tive faculties  somewhat  dulled  by  the 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  31 

forced  submission  to  social  routine,  yet 
giving  evidence  of  a  remarkable  power 
when  once  aroused  to  activity.) 

Miss  Leland. 

But,  my  dear  sister,  the  vote  is  not  a  privilege 
you  should  seek,  but  a  right  you  should  demand. 

You're  a  taxpayer,  and  should  have  the  right 
to  vote. 

Taxation  without 

Mrs.  Raford. 
{Impatiently.) 
But,  my  dear  Mabel,  I  don't  wish  to  vote. 
The  trustees  take  care  of  the  estate  and  they 
vote. 

{Glances  about  apprehensively.) 
How  dark  it  is  here ! 
Have  we  made  a  mistake? 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
Just  a  moment,  Mrs.  Raford,  I'll  light  the  lamp. 
{Strikes  match,  lights  oil  lamp  on  table.) 

Miss  Leland. 
Oh,  is  that  you.  Dr.  Fawtell  ? 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
{Moving  to  medicine  table.) 
Yes,  we're  sitting  in  the  dark;  sorry  lamps  were 
not  lighted. 

Very  cold  out,  isn't  it? 

{Lights  another  oil  lamp.) 

Miss  Leland. 
Yes,  very. 


32  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

Mrs.  Raford. 
(Coming  forward,  sees  Richard.) 
Why,  Richard,  are  you  here? 
Richard. 
(Hesitating.) 
Yes, — didn't  you  know? 

Mrs.  Raford. 
Oh,  dear!    Has  Gertrude  drawn  you  into  this 
slum  work,  too? 

Richard. 
No,  mother,  I  came  down  here  with  Paul. 

Miss  Leland. 
Where  is  the  sick  girl,  Richard? 

Richard. 
In  the  other  room. 

(Indicating  sick  room.) 

(Nurse  re-enters,  goes  to  medicine  table.) 

Mrs.  Raford. 
(Coming  forward  and  taking  Richard's 
arm.) 
Richard,  Gertrude  must  come  home  with  me. 
.  .We  can't  allow  her  to  stay  in  a  place  like  this ! 
(Miss   Leland   moves   toward   medicine 
table,  near  Nurse.) 

Richard. 

Why,  mother 

She's  helping ! 

Mrs.  Raford. 
The  girl  has  a  nurse ;  we  can  provide  for  her. 
(Miss  Leland  quietly  engages  Nurse  in 
conversation.) 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  33 

But  there's  no  reason  why  Gertrude  should 
remain ! 

{Looks  about  room.) 

(Inaudible  conversation  with  Richard.) 

Miss  Leland. 
(Quietly,  on  side  to  Nurse.) 
Is  she  very  ill  ? 

Nurse. 
Yes,  she  can't  live. 

Miss  Leland. 
A  baby  ? 

Nurse. 
This  morning ! 

Miss  Leland. 
Husband  here? 

Nurse. 
No,  not  married ! 

Miss  Leland. 
Who  is  the  father? 

Nurse. 
I  don't  know. 
(Pause.) 
She's  said  nothing. 

Miss  Leland. 
(Looking  about.) 
Cold  here. 

Nurse. 
Very — only  the  stove. 

Miss  Leland. 
(Looking  at  Mrs.  Raford  and  speaking  to 
attract  her  attention.) 


34  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

Ten  above  zero  and  no  heat  except  what  comes 
from  that  old  cook  stove. 

(Exit  Nurse  to  sick  room.) 
Richard. 
Criminal,  isn't  it? 

Mrs.  Raford. 
(Self-protectingly.) 

But  Richard 

Miss  Leland. 
(Sniffing  abotit.) 
What  an  odor? 

(To  /Richard.) 
Is  the  plumbing  defective? 
Richard. 
Yes,  everything's  defective! 
(Mrs.  Raford  dazed.) 

Miss  Leland. 
(To  Mrs.  Raford.) 
Defective  lighting — defective   ventilation — de- 
fective heating.    It's  all  wrong — it's  all  wrong ! 

Richard. 
Awful  hole  to  live  in ! 

Mrs.  Raford. 

I  never  knew — the  trustees  never  told  me 

Miss  Leland. 
Evidently,  some  one  must  look  after  them. 
But  then  one  can't  blame  them.    They're  men. 
This 

(Looking  about.) 
is  not  man's  problem ;  it  is  woman's ! 

Once  each  woman  was  the  keeper  of  her  own 
home. 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  35 

But  now  the  rich  own  the  homes  of  the  poor 
and  man  has  usurped  woman's  position  as  house- 
keeper ! 

What  a  mess  a  man  would  make  trying  to  keep 
even  one  house  in  order ! 

How  can  one  expect  him  to  successfully  regu- 
late a  hundred  tenements ! 
It's  preposterous ! 

Gertrude. 
(Re-entering  quietly,  interrupting.) 
Oh,  mother ! 

I'm  so  glad  you've  come. 
(To  Miss  Leland.) 
Good  evening,  Aunt  Mabel. 
It  was  good  of  you  to  come  with  mother. 
You'll  help  me  convince  her  that  something 
must  be  done  to  these  old  buildings,  won't  you? 
Miss  Leland. 
I'll  do  everything  I  can,  my  dear. 

Gertrude. 
Think  of  living  in  a  place  like  this  ! 
Think  of  the    sick    girl    there — think    of    the 
baby ! 

Miss  Leland. 
(Cynically.) 
Babies  born  in  places  like  this  haven't  much 
chance — everything  is  against  them. 

Gertrude. 
Mother,  dear,  we  must  improve  these  some- 
way ! 

All  the  tenements  are  as  bad  as  this  one — it's 
not  right  for  us  to  collect  rent  on  such  buildings ! 


36  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

Mrs.  Raford. 
But,  Gertrude,  these  people  can't  afford  any- 
thing better. 

Gertrude. 
Well,  mother,  we  must  do  something! 

Mrs.  Raford. 
What  can  we  do  ? 

Miss  Leland. 
Rebuild  them  if  necessary. 

Mrs.  Raford. 
I  do  think  something  should  be  done. 
I'll  talk  it  over  with  the  trustees. 

Miss  Leland. 
Aren't  they  acquainted  with  conditions? 

Mrs.  Raford. 
I  don't  know. 

Richard. 

Well,  if  they  don't  know  of  these  conditions, 
we  ought  to  know  why  they  don't  know. 

They  should  be  made  to  see  things  just  as  we 
are  forced  to  see  them. 

Gertrude. 
Indeed,  they  should ! 

Richard 
Send  for  them,  mother. 
It's  important ;  it's  urgent ! 
I'll  phone  for  them. 

Mrs.  Raford. 
What?    Now? 

Richard. 
Yes,  now! 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  37 

Mrs.  Raford, 
But  they're  probably  at  dinner. 
Richard. 
(Impatiently.) 
Well,  aren't  you  missing  your  dinner  ? 

Miss  Leland. 
I  think  you'd  better  send  for  them ! 

Gertrude. 
Yes,  mother,  do. 

Richard. 
Shall  I  phone? 

(Mrs.  Raford  quietly  nods  to  Richard.) 
(Richard  goes  to  phone.) 
(Into  phone.) 
295  Plaza. 

(Pause.) 
Yes. 

(Pause.) 
Yes,  295  Plaza. 
(Pause.) 

Gertrude. 
(To  Mother.) 
Is  the  car  below,  mother? 

Mrs.  Raford. 
Yes,  dear. 

Gertrude. 
Tell  him  we  are  sending  the  car,  Richard. 

Richard. 
(Over  phone.) 
Hello,  295  Plaza? 
(Pause.) 


38  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

Mr.  Farson,  please. 

(Pause.) 
I  know  it's  dinner  hour,  but  I  must  speak  with 
him. 

(Pause.) 
Yes. 

(Pause.) 
Yes,  James. 
This  is  Mr.  Raford. 

(Pause.) 
Very  well. 

(Pause.) 
Hello,  Mr.  Farson. 

(Pause.) 
Yes. 

(Pause.) 
This  is  Richard. 
Mother's  at  the  Tenth  street  tenements. 

(Pause.) 
Yes,  Tenth  street  tenements ! 
Tenth — Street — Tenements  ! 
She  wants  you  to  come  down  here  at  once. 

(Pause.) 
Yes,  bring  Mr.  Coleman  with  you. 
Can  you  get  him  on  the  phone? 

(Pause.) 
Oh,  dining  with  you. 

(Pause.) 
Yes,  it's  important ! 
Very  urgent. 

(Pause.) 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  39 

I  can't  explain  over  the  phone,  but  mother  must 
see  you  here  at  once. 
{Pause.) 
No,  down  here,  number  741  Tenth  street. 
The  third  floor,  rear. 

(Pause.) 
Yes,  number  741. 
Yes. 

(Pause.) 
We'll  send  the  car  for  you. 

(Pause.) 
Yes. 

(Pause.) 
Yes,  good-bye. 

(Hangs  up  receiver.) 

(To  Mother.) 
I'll  tell  Thomas  to  go  for  them. 

(Exits.) 

(Mrs.  Raford  in  meditation.) 

Miss  Leland. 
(To  Gertrude.) 
How  is  the  baby? 

Gertrude. 
So  bright  and  pretty ! 

Miss  Leland. 

A  girl? 

Gertrude. 

No,  a  little  boy. 

The  dearest  little  thing! 

(To  Mother.) 
Mother,  you  must  see  it. 


40  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

Mrs.  Raford. 
(Arousing  herself  from  reverie.) 
See  what? 

Gertrude. 
The  baby ! 

It's  the  dearest ! 

(Exits  to  sick  room,  interrupting  herself.) 

Miss  Leland. 
I'm  so  glad  you  brought  me  down  with  you; 
it's  really  disagreeable,  but  I'm  glad  you've  seen 
things  as  they  are. 

Men  are  not  good  housekeepers,  you  know. 

Mrs.  Raford. 
I'm  quite  overwhelmed;  I  didn't  know  things 
were  so  bad. 

(Jean,  followed  by  Gertrude,  comes  into 

room  with  baby  in  her  arms.) 
(Women  group  around  it  admiringly.) 
(Richard  re-enters  quietly  and  watches 
scene.) 

Gertrude. 
(To  Jean.) 
Let  me  hold  him !    The  little  dear ! 
(Takes  child.) 

Jean. 
Be  careful,  Miss. 
Dinna  drop  him. 
It's  a  bonnie  bairn. 
God  bless  the  wean ! 

Gertrude. 
(To  Mother.) 
Isn't  he  the  sweetest  little  thing ! 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  41 

Jean. 
It's  like  my  ain  darlin'  bairnie  o'  lang  ago  come 
back  again. 

(Pause.) 
He  was  sae  wee. 

(Pause.) 

An'  he  deed! 

(Pause.) 

(To  the  baby,  pathetically  smiling.) 
Ye're  the  dearest  bairnie,  ye  darhn' ! 

Gertrude. 
Mother,  isn't  he  a  dading? 
Mrs.  Raford. 

(Smiling,) 
He  is  a  dear  Httle  baby ! 

(To  Jean.) 
You  say  the  mother  cannot  live  ? 

Jean. 
She's  very  ill,  ma'am. 

Miss  Leland. 
Poor  little  fellow — no  mother. 

Gertrude. 
And  no  father ! 

Mrs.  Raford. 
What  will  become  of  him? 
Gertrude. 
That's  just  it,  mother. 

Miss  Brainard  says  they'll  send  him  to  one  of 
those  horrid  public  institutions  where  there  are 
hundreds  of  babies,  all  numbered  and  tagged  and 
fed  from  bottles. 


42  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

(Gertrude  coos  at  baby.) 
Think,  mother,  of  sending  this  dear  little  thing 
to  a  place  like  that — where  there  are  only  nurses 
and  attendants  and  no  one  to  be  a  mother  or 
father  to  him ! 

Mrs.  Raford. 
But  what  else  can  be  done  ? 

Jean. 
I  ha'  heard  tell  o'  guid  families  adoptin'  them. 

Mrs.  Raford. 
Yes,  a  home  is  the  only  place  for  a  child ! 
Gertrude. 
(To  Mrs.  Raford.) 
Do  good  families  ever  adopt  them,  mother  ? 

Mrs.  Raford. 
I  suppose  so. 

Miss  Leland. 
Quite  often,  I  believe. 

Gertrude. 
(Idea  dawning.) 
Mother,  can't  I  take  him  home? 

I'd  just  love  to 

Jean. 
And  I'd  come  and  work  for  ye  and  tak  care  o' 
him.     'Twould  be  the  most  happy  moment — if 
ye'd  allow  o'  it,  Mistress  Raford. 
Mrs.  Raford. 
(Astonished.) 
(To  Gertrude..) 
I  don't  think  it's  wise,  Gertrude. 
We  know  nothing  of  the  mother — nor  of  the 
father,  either. 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  43 

(Mrs.  Raford  looks  from  one  to  another.) 
Is  the  father  dead? 
(All  hesitate.) 

Miss  Leland. 
No  one  knows  who  the  father  is. 

Jean. 
He  naer  has  been  heard  of. 

Mrs.  Raford. 
And  the  girl's  not  a  good  girl? 

Miss  Leland. 
There  are  conditions  which  make  it  difficult  for 
us  to  judge. 

Gertrude. 
(Playfully  to  baby  whom  Jean  is  carrying 
out.) 
Be  a  good  little  baby  and  don't  cry. 
If  your  mother  goes  far,  far  away,  I'm  going 
to  take  care  of  you. 

Jean. 
(To  Gertrude.) 
Would  ver  nae  tak  me  as  well? 
I  could  na  stand  to  be  left  alone. 
(Jean  exits  ivith  baby.) 
Mrs.  Raford. 
But  certainly,  there's  no  excuse  for  a  girl  going 
wrong ! 

Richard. 
(Coming  forward) 
I  don't  think  you  understand,  mother. 
As  Aunt  Mabel  says,  there  are  conditions  which 
make  it  almost  impossible  for  a  girl — 


44  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

Mrs.  Raford. 
But,  Richard,  she — 

Gertrude. 
(Putting  her  arm  about  her  mother.) 
Please  don't,  mother;  please  don't. 
She's  so  kind  and  patient. 

She's  never  complained  at  all — and  she's  so 
grateful  for  everything  we  do. 

Richard. 
Conditions  were  all  against  her — think  of  liv- 
ing in  a  place  like  this ! 

Mrs.  Raford. 
A  girl  need  not  go  wrong  simply  because  she's 
poor ! 

Miss  Leland. 

But  there  are  many  conditions  which  make  it 
easy  for  a  girl  to  go  wrong;  and  there  are  some 
conditions  which  practically  force  girls  into  lives 
of  shame.  The  police  know  that  immorality  in- 
creases when  factories  close  and  when  cold 
weather  comes. 

All  investigations  show  that  when  the  wages 
of  the  girl  are  below  the  wages  of  a  man,  more 
girls  go  wrong  than  when  the  wages  are  equal. 

Man  has  always  been  the  hunter ! 

The  savage  mother  dies  to  save  her  young,  but 
the  savage  father  sells  his  children  into  slavery 
and  rents  out  his  wife  for  gain ! 

This  has  passed  now ;  but  we  still  have  slavery 
of  the  other  man's  children,  and  slavery  of  the 
other  man's  wife  and  daughters ;  the  children  are 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  45 

ill  our  mines,  in  our  mills,  in  our  factories,  and 
the  women  in  our  stores,  our  cafes,  and  our 
brothels. 

Society  may  plant  rose  bushes  in  ash  barrels, 
but  they  can't  bud  roses  there. 

{Voices  are  heard  in  the  corridor. 
All  turn  toward  exterior  door.) 

Mr.  Coleman. 
{Opening  the  door.) 
This  is  the  third  floor ! 

Mr.  Farson. 

{Behind  him,  puffing  loudly.) 
Well,  it's  a  hell  of  a  climb ! 

{Coleman,  a  man  of  fifty-odd.  Slender  in 
build,  zvith  a  smooth-shaven  face  and 
small  stealthy  eyes.  His  manner  in  com- 
pany is  quiet  and  he  speaks  with  a  prac- 
ticed suavity  that  betrays  a  hidden  cun- 
ningness.  A  trustee  of  the  Raford 
estate.) 

Mr.  Coleman. 
{Entering,  seeing  ladies,  and  advancing.) 
Oh,  my  dear  Mrs.  Raford! 
How  are  you? 

{Farson,  a  large  heavily  built  man  of  great 
physical  strength.  Features  coarse  and 
shoiving  plainly  the  marks  of  early 
struggles;  a  jaw  of  great  strength  and 
determination.  An  example  of  a  man, 
misguided  by  association,  environment 
and  lack  of  proper  education.) 


46  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

Mr.  Farson. 
(Advancing.) 
Good  evening,  Mrs.  Raford. 

Mrs.  Raford. 
Good  evening. 

(Mr.  Farson  and  Mr.  Coleman  nod  to 
Gertrude  and  Richard.) 

Miss  Leland. 
Good   evening,   Mr.   Coleman;   good   evening, 
Mr.  Farson. 

Mr.  Coleman. 
Good  evening. 

(Mr.  Farson  nods  to  Miss  Leland.) 
Indeed,  this  is  a  surprise ;  I  never  expected  to 
meet  you  all  here. 

Urgent  matter,  I  presume? 

Mrs.  Raford. 

It's  the  buildings,  the  poor  lighting,  the  poor 
sanitation,  the  vile  odors,  the  lack  of  proper 
means  of  heating. 

I   had   no   idea   such   conditions   existed   any- 
where ;  and  here  I  find  them  on  my  own  property. 
(Pause.) 

Why  have  you  never  told  me  of  these  condi- 
tions ? 

Mr.  Coleman. 

But,  my  dear  Mrs.  Raford,  don't  you  realize 
these  are  tenements? 

The  people  who  live  here  cannot  afford  to  pay 
for  anything  better. 

All  tenements  are  alike. 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  47 

Richard. 
But  these  are  not  fit  for  any  one  to  live  in. 

Mr.  Farson. 
But  what  can  one  do  ? 

Miss  Leland. 
Build  new  ones. 

Mrs.  Raford. 
Put  in  necessary  improvements,  at  least! 

Mr.  Farson. 
But,  Mrs.  Raford,  it  would  take  two  years'  in- 
come ;  perhaps  three ! 

Richard. 
What  difference  does  that  make  compared  to 
the  life  of  even  one  tenant — think  of  the  poor  girl 
dying  in  there — living  and  dying  in  a  hole  like 
this! 

Mr.  Coleman. 
(At  last,  realising  the  cause  of  this  great 
change.) 
Oh— I  see! 

Mr.  Farson. 
That's  all  very  well,  but  you  must  consider  the 
outlay. 

These  people  are  getting  all  they  pay  for. 

Mrs.  Raford. 
But  the  tenants  can't  keep  well  in  a  place  like 
this. 

Mr.  Coleman, 
My  dear  Mrs.  Raford,  I  fear  the  illness  of  this 
poor  girl  has  unduly  disturbed  you. 


48  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

Carefully  consider  the  matter;  I'm  certain  it 
will  not  be  best  to  waste  any  large  amount  on 
these  old  buildings. 

Mrs.  Raford. 
Then  we'll  rebuild  them. 

Mr.  Coleman. 
Of  course,  we  shall  be  pleased  to  carry  out 
your  wishes,  if  it  can  be  arranged. 

Mrs.  Raford. 
Thank  you;  I  knew  both  of  you  would  be  glad 
to  assist  just  as  soon  as  you  saw  the  need ! 
{To  Miss  Leland.) 
And  now,  Mabel,  let  us  be  going! 

{To  Gertrude.) 
Won't  you  come  with  us  Gertrude  ? 

Gertrude. 
No,  mother ;  please  don't  insist ! 
Richard  will  stay  and  come  with  me  later. 

(IVIrs.   Raford  and  Miss  Leland  move 
toivard  door.) 

Mrs.  Raford. 

{To  Gertrude.) 
Very  well. 
Good-bye,  dear. 

{To  Richard.) 
Good-bye,  Richard. 

Miss  Leland. 
Good  night,  Gertrude. 

{To  Richard.) 
Good  night. 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  49 

Mrs.  Raford. 
{To  Mr.  Coleman  and  Mr.  Farson.) 
I  thank  you  for  coming  here  tonight. 
I'll  send  my  car  right  back  for  you. 

Mr.  Farson. 
Thank  you. 

Mr.  Coleman. 
Very  kind  of  you. 

Mrs.  Raford. 
{At  door.) 
I'm  going  to  inspect  all  of  the  buildings,  to- 
morrow. 

Mr.  Coleman. 
It'll  not  be  necessary;  Mr.  Farson  and  I  will 
do  so. 

Mr.  Farson. 
We'll  be  glad  to. 

Mrs.  Raford. 
But  I  feel  I  should  also  visit  them. 
There  are  several  I  have  never  seen. 

(Farson  and  Coleman  exchange  glances.) 
Call  at  ten  in  the  morning  and  we'll  go  over 
them  together. 

(Coleman  looks  at  Farson.) 

Mr.  Farson. 
Very  well,  Mrs.  Raford,  we'll  come. 

Mrs.  Raford. 
Good  night. 

Miss  Leland, 
Good  night. 

{Exit  Mrs.  Raford  and  Miss  Leland. 


50  Mrs.  Raford^  Humanist 

(Doctor  enters.) 

(Gertrude  exits  to  sick  room.) 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
Good  evening,  gentlemen. 

Mr.  Coleman. 
Good  evening,  doctor. 

Mr.  Farson. 
Good  evening,  Paul. 

Mr.  Coleman. 
How  is  your  patient,  doctor? 
Dr.  Fawtell. 
Very  seriously  ill — very ! 

(Coleman  and  Dr.  Fawtell  talk  near 
center,  Farson  and  Richard  down  stage 
left.) 

Mr.  Farson. 
(Confidentially  to  Richard,  patting  hint 
on  shoidder.) 
Congratulations,  my  boy ! 
When's  it  coming  off? 

Richard, 
What?    When?    I  don't  understand. 

Mr.  Farson. 
No  joking,  now ! 

Richard. 
Joking? 
I  don't  know  what  you  mean. 

Mr.  Farson. 
You're  a  close  one,  Richard. 
Came  pretty  near  putting  one  over  on  us,  all 
right,  didn't  you? 
But  I 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  51 

Richard. 
I  certainly  don't  know  to  what  you  refer. 

(Jean  enters  unobserved,  goes  to  Nurse's 
table.  Busies  herself  there.) 
Mr.  Farson. 
Oh,  come  boy — you  know  I'm  around  the  City 
Hah  a  good  deal. 

I  see  about  everything  going  on  there. 
(Jean  listens.) 

Richard. 
Well? 

Mr.  Farson. 
Well,  I  just  saw  the  record  of  your  marriage 
license. 

(Richard  starts,  shoves  right  hand  into 
outside  coat  pocket,  then  quickly  con- 
trols himself.) 
(Jean  shows  she  has  heard.) 
Who  is  the  happy  girl  ?    Name's  strange  to  me. 
Richard. 
(Indifferently.) 
Fear  Fm  the  wrong  party,  Mr.  Farson. 
It's  all  news  to  me ! 

Perhaps  it's  some  one  else  with  a  name  like 
mine. 

Mr.  Farson. 
Raf ord  isn't  a  common  name ! 

Richard. 
Perhaps  it's  a  joke  some  of  my  friends  are 
playing  on  me. 

Mr.  Farson. 
Perhaps. 


52  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
(Coming  up  and  interrupting.) 
I'm  afraid  Mrs.  Raford's  inspection  will  reveal 
worse  conditions  than  these  here. 

(Coleman  and  Farson  exchange  glances.) 
Mr.  Coleman. 
Oh,  no ;  I  don't  think  so. 

(Richard  leaves  group  and  moves  toward 

stove.      Cautiously   takes   license   from 

pocket,  watches  chance,  and  puts  it  into 

front  of  stove.) 

These  are  very  fair  tenements  on  the  whole — 

considering  that  the  people  living  in  them  pay 

almost  nothing  for  rent. 

Mrs.  Raford's  just  worked  up  over  this  sick 
girl. 

One  can't  provide  model  apartments  at  five 
a  month. 

(The  license  does  not  catch  fire.    Richard 

takes  poker  to  push  it  in  further.) 
(Jean  zvatches  him.) 

Mr.  Farson. 
They're  worth  a  damn  sight  more  than  they're 
paying  for  them. 

Nurse. 
(At  sick  room  door  in  agitated  manner.) 
Doctor !    Doctor ! 

(Dr.  Fawtell  quickly  exits  to  sick  room, 

Richard  drops  poker  and  foUozvs.) 
(Farson    and    Coleman    glance   at   sick 

room  then  move  far  down  left.) 
(Jean  goes  to  stove.) 


Mrs.  Raford^  Humanist  53 

Mr.  Farson. 
Well,  what  are  we  going  to  do  ? 

Mr.  Coleman. 
Why,  it's  nonsense  to  consider  rebuilding,  damn 
nonsense. 

(Jean  takes  poker;  busies  with  poker 
as  though  opening  and  spreading  crum- 
pled-tip paper.  Looks  toward  sick 
room.) 
(Conveys  to  audience  that  she  under- 
stands. Shoves  license  up  into  stove 
with  poker  and  watches  it  hum.) 

Mr.  Farson. 
Worse  than  that,  woman's  nonsense. 
But  what  are  we  going  to  do? 

(Jean  leaves  stove;  exits  to  sick  room.) 

Mr.  Coleman. 
Well,  the  first  thing  to  do  is  to  prevent  her 
finding  out  about  the  women  in  the  tenements, 
south  of  Tenth  street. 

That's  got  to  be  kept  dark. 
If  she  gets  on  to  that  there  will  be  something 
doing. 

Mr.  Farson. 
Yes,  you're  right. 
I'll  see  that  she  doesn't ! 
I'd  better  tip  them  off  at  once. 
{Goes  to  phone  hurriedly.) 
(Coleman    zvatching    Farson    and    sick 

room  door.) 
(Into  phone.) 


54  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

Station  49. 

(Pause.) 
Yes. 

(Pause.) 
Hello! 

(Pause.) 
McCaffery  there? 

(Pause.) 
Connect  up. 

(Pause.) 
Yes. 

(Pause.) 
Yes,  it's  Farson. 

(To  Coleman.) 
McCaffery's  the  best  man  on  the  force. 
Absolutely  reliable. 

(Over  phone.) 
Hello ! 

That  you,  Jim? 
Farson. 

(Softly.) 
You  know  who  Mrs.  Raford  is,  don't  you? 
Well,  she's  caught  the  reform  fever. 
Raising  a  hell  of  a  row  about  her  tenements. 
Going  to  inspect  all  of  them  tomorrow  morning. 

(Pause.) 
Yes,  all  of  them — those  below  Tenth  street,  too. 
Say,  Jim,  tip  off  the  word  there  tonight. 
Have  the  women  cover  things  up. 
Everything  must  be  O.  K.  by  ten  in  the  morn- 
ing. 
All  right. 


Mrs.  Raford^  Humanist  55 

Good-bye. 

(Puts  down  receiver.) 

Jim'll  turn  those  houses  into  Y.  W.  C.  A.'s  be- 
fore morning. 

Jim's  a  corker. 
(Pause.) 

The  next  thing  to  do  is  to  rush  our  segregation 
bill  through  the  council ! 

We've  got  to  put  it  through  before  the  Rafords 
know  too  much  of  the  affairs  down  here. 

The  bill  includes  all  of  these  tenements, 
doesn't  it? 

Mr.  Coleman. 

Certainly,  I  drafted  it  that  way  purposely. 

But  isn't  it  rather  risky  just  now? 

Isn't  there  some  way  we  can  accomplish  the 
result  without  definitely  stating  the  limits  of  the 
district? 

Mr.  Farson. 

I  don't  see  how. 

Mr.  Coleman. 
You  expect  to  be  elected  mayor  next  year, 
don't  you  ? 

Mr.  Farson. 
Fm  dead  certain  of  it — the  machine's  behind 
me ! 

Mr.  Coleman. 
A  mayor  has  power  to  select  his  own  police 
commissioner,  hasn't  he? 
Certainly. 

Mr.  Coleman. 
(Meditatively.) 


56  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

Well,  then,  why  not  cut  out  all  definite  refer- 
ence to  this  district  and  insert  this  phrase; 
{Slozvly  and  deliberately.) 

"And  any  other  district  or  districts  which  the 
mayor  may  deem  wise  to  segregate." 

Mr.  Farson. 
(Thoughtfully.) 
How's  that  ? 

Mr.  Coleman. 
(Deliberately.) 
"And  any  other  district  or  districts  which  the 
mayor  may  deem  wise  to  segregate." 
Mr.  Farson. 
(Face  lighting  up.) 
That's  great ! 
Coleman  you're  a  genius ! 
I'll  get  word  to  Connors  at  once. 

(Goes  to  phone.) 
Worth  4290. 
(Pause.) 
Hello ! 

(Pause.) 
Council  Chamber? 
Yes ;  give  me  Connors. 

(Pause.) 
Hello,    Connors,   we've   got   to   put    Bill    164 
through  tonight ! 
(Pause.) 
Damn  the  risk ! 
It's  got  to  go  through  tonight ! 
Line  up  the  boys,  but  don't  hand  out  the  copies 
until  I  get  down. 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  57 

I'm  going  to  make  a  change  in  the  text. 
That's  all. 

(Hangs  up  receiver.) 

Mr.  Coleman. 
Did  you  notice  how  Richard  backed  up   his 
mother  tonight? 

Pretty  strong  talk,  that,  about  this  being  an 
awful  hole  to  live  in. 

Seems  mighty  interested,  doesn't  he? 

Mr.  Farson. 
His  father  was  a  fighter. 

Mr.  Coleman. 
Suppose  he'll  ever  give  us  any  trouble? 

Mr.  Farson, 
No. 

If  he  tries,  we'll  rake  up  something  out  of  his 
past! 

You  can  always  find  material  if  you  want  it. 
He's  been  sowing  wild  oats_  pretty  near  two 
years  now. 

Mr.  Coleman. 
But  all  this  doesn't  settle  the  rebuilding  ques- 
tion, 

Mr.  Farson. 
Oh,  it'll  blow  over  in  time. 
She's  a  woman,  you  know. 
She's  all  up  in  the  air  now  about  that  sick  girl. 

Mr.  Coleman. 

Well,  if  Mrs.  Raford  thinks  these  buildings 
ought  to  be  rebuilt,  she'll  rebuild  them. 

You  never  can  tell  what  a  woman  will  do  when 
her  sympathies  are  aroused. 


58  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

(As  though  getting  a  new  idea.) 
Of  course,  better  buildings  mean  higher  class 
women,  and  bigger  protection  fees. 

Mr.  Farson. 
But  if  it  should  ever  come  to  a  show  down? 

Mr.  Coleman. 
Why,  we'd  decide  the  matter  from  a  purely 
business  viewpoint. 

We  are  the  trustees,  aren't  we? 
We  have  the  deciding  votes — and  thank  God — 
we're  not  women! 

(A  moan  is  heard,  then  slight  sobbing.) 
(Farson  and  Coleman  look  toivard  sick 

room  door.) 
(Dr.   Fawtell  enters;  gestures  Farson 

and  Coleman  to  go.) 
(Gertrude  enters,  iviping  her  eyes,  goes 

to  right  wall,  puts  on  wraps.) 
(Jean  enters  carrying  baby,  and  alternate- 
ly sniffling  and  sobbing,  quietly  walks 
tip  stage.) 
(Farson  and  Coleman  recognizing  situa- 
tion take  hats  and  exit.) 

Gertrude. 
(To  Dr.  Fawtell.) 
I'm  going  to  take  Mrs.  Cairns  and  the  baby 
home  with  me  for  a  day  or  two,  anyway. 
(Dr.  Fawtell  nods  approval.) 
(Gertrude  goes  up  stage,  puts  on  wraps. 
Bundles  up  Jean  and  Baby.    Jean  and 
Baby  followed  by  Gertrude  exit.) 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  59 

(Richard,  with  head  bowed,  enters,  comes 
to  center  stage,  and  sinks  into  chair  by 
table.) 
(Dr.  Fawtell  returns  to  sick  room.) 
(Richard  lifts  his  head  slozvly  and  moves 
lips  as  though  in  prayer.) 


CURTAIN  DESCENDS  SLOWLY. 


ACT  II. 

Seven  Years  Later. 

Scene  :  The  library  in  the  Raford  town  house.  A 
spacious  apartment,  luxuriously  and  artistically  fur- 
nished. The  architecture  is  old  Spanish.  There  are 
three  entrance  arches  at  back,  revealing  corridor 
with  colored  glass  window  alcove,  with  seats  at 
back  center. 

There  is  an  arched  window  to  either  side  of  the  large 
center  arch.  The  left  wall  is  also  triple  arched,  each 
arch  being  a  large  French  window  looking  out  upon 
a  formal  garden.  Book  shelves  fill  all  available 
space  between  the  windows  and  arches.  Half  way 
front  on  right  side,  which  is  recessed,  is  a  large 
open  fire  place  and  a  large  settee  at  right  angles 
facing  audience. 

A  large  library  table  is  far  front  to  left  of  center,  and 
a  small  writing  table  at  left  wall  down  stage.  There 
are  two  arm  chairs,  one  up  stage  right  between  cen- 
ter and  right  rear  arches,  the  other  down  stage  from 
table. 

Another  chair  up  stage  left.  In  the  left  corner  of  the 
room  there  is  a  platform  with  chair  and  an  easel 
with  painting  materials  close  by. 

The  tapestried  walls,  hangings,  and  heavy  upholstery 
are  all  in  brown  and  buff.  The  combined  effect  is  one 
of  pleasing  hartnony,  richness  and  warmth — the  re- 
sult of  discriminating  personal  taste. 

Gertrude  is  seated  on  stool  before  easel  up  stage  left, 
engaged  in  touching  up  portrait. 

A  loose  bunch  of  roses  lays  by  her  side.  She  takes 
them  up  and  smells  them  from  time  to  time. 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  6i 

Sings  softly  to  herself,  "I  Love  You  Truly." 
Dr.  Fawtell  appears  in  arch  up  stage  right.  Peeps 
through,  sees  Gertrude,  stands  admiring  her  and 
listening  to  her  song.  He  then  advances  very  softly 
down  right  side  of  stage  and,  approaching  Ger- 
trude frotn  behind,  places  one  hand  on  each  arm. 

Gertrude. 
{Turning  in  surprise  and  looking  up   at 
him.) 
Oh,  Paul! 

If  you  don't  stop  such  pranks,  I'll  have  nervous 
prostration ! 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
Forgive  me,  dear. 

{Leans  forward  and  kisses  her  on  the  fore- 
head.) 
Did  I  frighten  you  so? 

Gertrude. 
{With  mock  seriousness,  rises.) 
Yes,  you  did. 
Stealing  up  like  a  horrible  dragon. 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
I  won't  do  it  again,  dear. 

Don't  be  afraid ;  this  horrid  dragon  has  got  to 
leave  in  just  a  minute. 

Gertrude. 
But  you  just  came! 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
{Taking  out  his  ivatch.) 
I  know,  dear,  but  I'm  on  my  way  to  see  a 
patient  at  eleven. 

Gertrude. 
{Glancing  at  zvatch.) 


62  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

Why  it's  seven  minutes  to  eleven. 
You've  oceans  of  time! 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
{Laughing  and  taking  both  her  hands.) 
Soon  we  won't  have  to  be  so  jealous  of  time. 

(Looks  at  her  lovingly.) 
It's  only  two  months  away,  dear. 
(Puts  one  arm  about  her.) 

Gertrude. 
(Looking  shyly  into  his  face.) 
Fifty-eight  days. 
I've  counted  them. 

(Miss  Leland  enters  from  back  right.) 
(Gertrude  and  Dr.  Fawtell  turn  to  greet 
her.) 
Good  morning,  Aunt  Mabel. 

Miss  Leland. 
Good  morning,  dear. 

Dr.  Fawtell, 
Good  morning.  Miss  Leland. 
Splendid  morning,  isn't  it? 

Miss  Leland. 
It's  wonderful ! 

(Richard  enters  in  street  costume,  hat  in 
hand.  The  nervous,  reckless  boy  of 
seven  years  ago  has  developed  into  a 
dignified  young  man,  his  voice  combin- 
ing the  ring  of  youthful  enthusiasm 
with  the  firmness  and  confidence  that 
comes  ivith  accomplishment.) 
Richard. 
Why,  hello,  everyone! 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  63 

Hello,  Paul! 

Hello,  Aunt  Mabel ! 

Is  this  a  Monday  morning  club  meeting? 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
Yes,  and  you're  elected  a  member  on  the  spot. 

Richard. 
Sorry,  but  I  can't  stay  for  initiation. 

Gertrude. 
Richard's  always  in  a  rush ! 
It's  awful  to  have  a  brother  who's  a  doctor  and 
a  lawyer  and  a  social  reformer  as  well ! 

He  might  be  a  stranger  for  all  we  see  of  him. 

Miss  Leland. 
And  it  may  become  worse  ;  I  think  he's  heading 
straight  for  poHtics. 

Richard. 
(Negatively.) 
No— No ! 

No  politics  for  me. 
I'm  not  the  kind  the  grafters  want. 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
You're  just  the  kind  they  need! 

Richard. 
I'm  afraid  of  politics. 

I'm  having  the  time  of  my  life  keeping  out  of  it. 
(Phone  rings.) 
(Goes  to  phone.) 
(Into  phone.) 
Hello ! 

(Pause.) 
Yes. 

(Pause.) 


64  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

Yes. 

Oh,  the  Dewey  Reform  League! 

Tomorrow  night. 

I'm  sorry,  but  I  can't  do  it. 

(Pause.) 
No,  it's  impossible. 

(Pause.) 
No,  I've  two  engagements  to  speak  tomorrow 
night  already. 

(Pause.) 
Yes,  before  the  Medical  Association  and  be- 
fore the  Economic  League ! 

Very  well,  but  it's  quite  impossible ;  every  night 
taken  for  two  weeks. 

(Pause.) 
Good-bye. 

(Puts  doivn  receiver.) 

(To  others.) 
My !  but  there's  a  lot  to  do  in  the  world ! 

(Enter  Jean.) 

Jean. 
Mr.  Richard. 

Richard, 
What  is  it,  Jean? 

Jean. 
Dr.  Thomas  phones  he'll  stop  to  see  you  in 
about  ten  minutes. 

Richard. 
Oh,  yes,  about  the  Children's  Clinic. 
I  had  almost  forgotten  it ! 
(Jean  starts  to  exit.) 
A  moment,  Jean. 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  65 

(JVritcs  on  telegraphic  blank.) 
Take  this  telegram  to  Parker ! 
Have  him  send  it  at  once! 

{Exit  Jean.) 
Had  to  cancel  my  Boston  lecture  on  "City  Sani- 
tation," can't  get  away. 

(To  Gertrude.) 
Where's  mother? 

Gertrude. 
In  the  garden. 

(To  Miss  Leland,  who  starts  toward  gar- 
den doors.) 
I'll  tell  mother  you're  here,  Aunt  Mabel.     She 
did  not  expect  you  so  soon. 

Miss  Leland. 
Thank  you,  dear. 

(Gertrude  starts  toward  garden  doors.) 
(Dr.    Fawtell   turns   to    Miss   Leland, 
looks  at  watch.) 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
I  must  go,  I've  a  patient  at  eleven. 

(To  Gertrude.) 
I'll  go  out  through  the  garden. 

RicnAiiD. 
(Smiling.) 
Is  your  patient  in  the  garden? 
Dr.  Fawtell. 
(Laughing.) 
Perhaps ! 

(To  Miss  Leland  and  Richard.) 
Good-bye. 


66  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

(Gertrude  afid  Dr.  Fawtell  exit.) 

Richard. 
{To  Miss  Leland.) 
Well,  Aunt  Mabel,  how's  the  Woman's  Cause 
progressing? 

Miss  Leland. 
Splendidly ! 

We  expect  big  things  this  year. 
Richard,   there's   going   to   be   a   political    re- 
adjustment very  soon. 

Richard. 
Yes,  I  know  it's  coming,  but  I  hardly  think  it 
will  reach  us  this  year. 

Miss  Leland. 
I  don't  know.     The  reform  element  is  waking 
up. 

You   ought   to    identify   yourself    with   them, 
Richard. 

Richard. 
(Laughingly.) 
No,  I'm  not  a  politician,  besides  I  can't  actively 
oppose    the    present    administration.      Parson's 
mayor,  and  he's  been  a  friend  of  our  family  for 
thirty  years. 

(Pause.) 
Besides,   I've  my  medicine.     Have  you  seen 
this? 

(Hands  her  a  pamphlet.) 
A  report  for  the  International  Association  in 
October. 

(Miss  Leland  takes  the  pamphlet.) 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  67 

Jean. 
(Entering.) 
Dr.  Thomas  is  waiting  to  see  you,  Mr.  Richard. 

Richard. 
I'll  be  right  down,  Jean. 

Dick. 
(A  bright,  attractive,  though  highly  ner- 
vous child,  seven  years  old.    He  bounds 
in  joyously  from  up  right  and  runs  to 
Richard.) 
Oh,  Mr.  Richard,  won't  you  come  with  me,  I'm 
going  to  feed  the  bunnies !    Won't  you  come ! 

Richard. 
I  can't  now — Dr.  Thomas  is  waiting  for  me, 
but  I'll  be  right  back.    Run  on  now,  my  boy. 
Miss  Leland. 
Good  morning,  Dick.    Are  the  bunnies  well  ? 

Dick. 
Oh,  they're  fine! 

(Running  off  to  garden.) 
I've  got  to  feed  'em. 
(Exits.) 

Miss  Leland. 
Isn't  he  a  darling  little  fellow!     One  would 
never  think  he  was  a  slum  child !    He's  as  refined 
as  though  his  parents  had  been  cultured  people. 
Isn't  it  strange  how  fond  we  all  are  of  him? 

Richard. 
Not  at  all.    But  I  must  go.    Back  soon. 

Miss  Leland. 
Very  Well.     I'll  read  your  report  while  I'm 
waiting. 


68  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

(Richard  exits.) 

(Miss  Leland  seats  herself  in  alcove  back 

of  corridor.) 
(Jean  busies  herself  about  room,  begins 
humming  '7  Knew  a  Lassie."  As  she 
continues  arranging  things,  she  forgets 
Miss  Leland's  presence  and  gradually 
changes  from  humming  to  singing;  this 
in  turn,  leads  to  slight  imitation  of 
Harry  Lauder's  steps  and  body  ges- 
tures. ) 
(A  laugh  from  Miss  Leland  makes  Jean 
realize  zvhere  she  is  and  what  she  is 
doing.) 

Jean. 
(Obviously  embarrassed.) 
Ye  must  forgive  me,  Miss  Leland.     I'm  sae 
happy  about  Mr.   Richard.     He's  such  a  great 
man.    There's  nae  reason  he  may  not  be  governor 
some  day. 

Miss  Leland. 
(Laughing.) 
I'm  sure  Richard's  going  to  be  a  great  man. 

Jean. 
(Almost  petulantly.) 
Ye  need  nae  say  that.  He's  a  great  man  noo. 
I  see  his  name  in  the  papers,  "the  noted  young 
Dr.  Raford,  son  of  the  late  Governor  Raford." 
And  it's  nice  things  the  papers  be  a  saying  of 
him. 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  69 

Miss  Leland. 
Yes,  the  papers  have  been  very  kind  to  Richard. 
But  the  papers  are  controlled  by  political  organi- 
zations, and  let  Richard  but  once  begin  a  fight 
for  reform  and  you'll  find  the  papers  will  have 
plenty  of  disagreeable  things  to  say. 

Jean. 
They  would  nae   say  bad  things   about   Mr. 
Richard. 

They  would  nae  be  true. 

Miss  Leland. 
That  makes  no  difference,  Jean. 
Any  man  who  enters  public  life  to  fight  for  the 
right  is  always  slandered  by  his  opponents.  They 
search  into  every  year  of  his  past  life,  and  if 
there's  nothing  for  which  they  can  condemn  him, 
they  make  up  something. 

Jean. 
(Fear  in  her  face.) 
Do  they  hunt  up  every  bad  thing  a  man  has 
done  in  the  past? 

Miss  Leland. 
Indeed  they  do. 

Jean. 
And  do  they  print  it? 

Miss  Leland. 
Most  certainly. 

Jean. 
Even  if  it's  lang,  lang  ago  ? 

Miss  Leland. 
Yes,  if  they  can  get  any  record  or  trace  of  it. 


70  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

{Men's  voices  are  heard,  coming  from 
left.) 

(Jean  resumes  her  work  in  silence.) 

(Mayor  Farson  and  Coleman  enter 
through  left  arch  up  stage  carrying 
papers,  reports,  etc.  They  do  not  see 
Miss  Leland  and  come  forivard  to 
table.) 

Jean. 

(Bowing.) 
Good  mornin'  to  ye,  sirs. 

Mr.  Coleman. 
Good  morning,  Jean. 

Mr.  Farson. 
Good  morning. 

(Jean   exits  up  right,  nodding  to   Miss 
Leland  as  she  passes  the  alcove,  but 
saying   nothing   to    indicate    Miss    Le- 
land's  presence  there.) 
(Looking    over    papers    and    then    about 
room,  to  make  sure  they  are  alone.) 
How  did  the  inspection  stunt  come  off  yes- 
terday? 

(Miss  Leland  listens.) 

Mr.  Coleman. 
Splendidly ! 
Everybody  satisfied. 

Richard,  Gertrude,  Miss  Leland,  Mrs.  Raford 
were  delighted  with  everything. 

I  took  them  down  just  before  lunch,  you  know. 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  71 

Mr.  Farson. 
Hope  everything  was  quiet.     I  put  McCaffrey 

wise. 

Told  him  to  tip  off  the  women  so  they'd  have 
everything  ship  shape. 

(Miss  Leland  listening  intently.) 
Mr.  Coleman. 
He  looked  after  it  all  right. 
Mr.  Farson. 
(Looking  over  papers.) 
We  can  make  a  pretty  good  report  with  these 
figures. 

Mighty  good  income  now. 
Good  class  of  women. 

Rent  is  always  ready  and  never  any  kick  on  the 
police  fee. 

They're  the  kind  of  women  who  know  good 
protection  when  they  get  it! 
(Miss  Leland  intense.) 
We've  got  to  make  another  raise  though. 
We've  got  to  have  fifty  thousand  for  campaign 
expenses. 

Mr.  Coleman. 
Can't  we  raise  it  some  other  way? 

Mr.  Farson. 
I've  tried — can't  do  it. 

Mr.  Coleman. 
You're  safe  for  re-election  anyway. 
As  yet,  there's  no  one  even  mentioned  against 

you. 

Mr.  Farson. 
There's  going  to  be  a  fight  though. 


72  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

The  reformers  are  getting  busy. 
Since   the  petticoats   started  their  newspaper 
they've  made  a  devil  of  a  howl ! 
Mr.  Coleman. 
But  women  are  women — they  have  no  vote. 

Mr.  Farson. 
But,  damn  it,  they  talk !  that  always  costs  votes ! 
(Richard  singing,  "When  Love  Is  Young 
in  Springtime,"  is  heard  approacJiing.) 
Mr.  Coleman. 
Sh'h! 

Richard. 
(Entering.) 

(Miss  Leland  still  unobserved.) 
Hello,  Mr.  Mayor! 
Good  morning,  Coleman. 
Got  the  reports  ready  ? 

Mr.  Coleman. 
Yes,  Richard,  everything's  here. 
Mr.  Farson. 
( Handling  papers. ) 
We  think  it's  a  remarkable  showing. 
(Seat  themselves  about  table.) 
Mr.  Coleman. 
Mighty  few  are  able  to  rebuild  their  tenements 
without  touching  the  original  capital. 
(Looking  at  papers.) 
These  are  the  figures  up  to  May  first. 

Richard. 
(Picking  up  some  of  the  papers.) 
It  certainly  is  remarkable. 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  73 

I  can  hardly  believe  it. 
It's  extraordinary ! 

Mr.  Farson. 
Yes,  for  the  first  quarter. 
Richard. 
(Looking  at  papers.) 
I  see — one  hundred  and  forty  thousand. 
Whew ! 

Why  that's  about 

(Stops  to  think) 
seventeen  per  cent  on  the  investment. 
That's  enormous ! 

Mr.  Farson. 
Well,  we're  getting  mighty  good  rents  now. 

Richard. 
We  must  be. 
(Pause.) 
Are  we  crowding  out  the  old  tenants  by  the 
new  rents? 

We   rebuilt   to   give   the   poor   people   decent 
homes,  you  know. 

Mr.  Coleman. 
Of  course  there've  been  changes — old  tenants 
are  moving  out,  new  tenants  are  moving  in,  but  I 
don't  think  it's  due  to  change  in  rents. 

Richard. 
What  are  the  new  rates? 

(Farson  and  Coleman  exchange  glances.) 
Mr.  Coleman. 
Well,  they  vary,  somewhat. 
Richard. 
Aren't  they  uniform? 


74  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

Mr.  Farson. 
No — o,  not  exactly. 
The  rent  depends  upon  location. 

Richard. 
But  mother  and  I  instructed  you  to  make  them 
uniform. 

Mr.  Coleman. 
But  we  found  that  impracticable. 
Richard. 
{Looking  toward  file  of  papers.) 
Where  is  the  rate  sheet? 

Mr.  Farson. 
I  haven't  it  here. 

Richard, 
But  I  asked  you  especially  to  bring  it. 

Mr.  Farson. 
It's  just  a  mass  of  figures — limitless  detail ;  the 
agents  attend  to  the  rent  variations,  anyway. 

Richard. 
Well,  what's  the  average  rent? 

Mr.  Coleman. 
{Hesitatingly.) 
I  couldn't  say,  off  hand. 

Richard, 
\Yt\\,  about  what? 

Mr.  Farson. 
I  can't  tell. 

Richard. 
We  can  strike  an  average  right  here. 

{Takes  paper  and  pencil.) 
One  hundred  forty  thousand  a  quarter;  about 
ten  thousand  tenants. 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  75 

That  brings  it  to  about  twelve  dollars  a  tenant. 

Good  Lord  man ! 

They're  not  all  paying  that  rate. 

Mr.  Farson. 
Oh,  no — but  there're  certain  rooms  that  bring 
up  the  average. 

Richard. 
Rooms ! 
I  thought  we  were  renting  only  to  families ! 

Mr.  Farson. 
But  you  can't  shut  out  certain  men  and  women 
simply  because  they  have  no  families. 

Richard. 
But  why  should  single  tenants  pay  that  rate? 
There's  only  one  class  of  people  I  know  of 
would  pay  that  rate  down  there — women  plying 
their  trade. 

{Looking  straight  at  trustees.) 
There  are  no  women  of  ill  fame  housed  in  our 
properties,  are  there? 

Mr.  Farson. 
I   don't  see  how  there  could  be  without  my 
knowing  it. 

Mr.  Coleman. 
It's  not  in  the  segregated  district,  you  know. 

Richard. 
No,  it  isn't — that's  true. 

(Miss  Leland  rises  and  comes  forward  a 
few  steps,   as   though  she   intended   to 
join  the  conversation.) 
{Voices  are  heard  in  the  garden.) 
{She  pauses.) 


'j^  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

(Garden  doors  at  middle  left  open.) 
(Little  Dick  rushes  in,  runs  across  the 
room — turns,  sees  Richard,  runs  to 
him,  and  as  Mrs.  Raford  and  Ger- 
trude enter  from  the  garden,  the  little 
fellozv  catches  Richard's  hands  and 
dances  around  him.) 
(Miss  Leland  comes  forward,  Gertrude 
sings  a  measure  from  "Ring  Around  a 
Rosie.") 

Mrs.  Raford. 
(Nodding  to  all,  speaking  to   Miss  Le- 
land.) 
Isn't  it  a  beautiful  morning? 
Dick  carried  us  ofif  to  the  garden  almost  before 
we'd  had  our  breakfast. 

(Farson  and  Coleman  look  at  Miss  Le- 
land, nod  to  her  and  inquiringly  glance 
at  each  other.) 

Gertrude. 
(To  Coleman  and  Farson.) 
I'm  so  glad  to  see  you,  Mr.  Coleman  and  Mayor 
Farson ! 

You're  early  callers! 

But  Aunt  Mabel  is  ahead  of  you ! 

(Mock  zvhisper.) 
Planting  suffrage   seeds — early   in  the  morn- 
ing— before  breakfast ! 

(Melodramatically.) 
Beware  of  her! 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  '^'J 

Mr.  Farson. 
{To  Miss  Leland.) 
We're  hopeless ! 
Don't  waste  time  on  us. 

Miss  Leland. 
{Coldly,  yet  confidently.) 
A^y  morning  has  not  been  wasted ! 

(Farson   and  Coleman   again  exchange 
glances.) 

Richard. 
{To  Mrs.  Raford.) 
Excuse  me,  mother,  I  must  do  some  'phoning. 

{To   Dick.) 
I'll  be  right  back,  Dick !    Just  as  soon  as  I  can ! 
Good-bye ! 

(Richard  exits.) 

(Gertrude  arranges  flowers  brought  from 
garden.) 

Dick. 
{Nervous  and  pale,  buoyant,  yet  fretfid, 
goes  to  Gertrude  and  takes  her  hand.) 
(Mrs.  Raford  moves  down  stage  right.) 
Miss  Gertrude. 

Gertrude. 
Yes,  dear. 

Dick. 
Paint  me  some  more  now. 

Gertrude. 
No,  dear,  not  now. 

{In  mock  zvhisper.) 
There  are  too  many  watching  us ! 


78  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

Dick. 

{Pleading.) 
Paint  me  some  more  now ;  please,  Miss  Ger- 
trude. 

Paint  me  some  more. 

(Coleman  and  Parson  talk.) 
(Mrs.  Raford  seats  herself  down  stage 
right. ) 

Gertrude. 
(Takes  Dick's  hand  and  smiles.) 
Wait  till  the  others  go,  dear. 

Dick. 

No,  now. 

(To  Mrs.  Raford.) 
You  don't  care  if  Miss  Gertrude  paints  me  now, 
do  you  ? 

(Mrs.  Raford  smiles.) 
Gertrude. 
Oh,  you  little  rogue! 

You'll  enlist  everyone  on  your  side ;  Fll  give  in. 
(Little    Dick    dances   about,    claps   his 
hands.     He  then  jumps  into  big  chair 
and    arranges   himself,   poses    and   re- 
poses.) 

Miss  Leland. 
(Down  stage.) 
(To  Mrs.  Raford.) 
How  wonderfully  attractive  Dick  is ! 

AIrs.  Raford. 
Yes,  and  such  a  remarkable  child — Fm  glad  I 
gave  in  to  Gertrude's  pleading  and  allowed  her 
to  bring  the  little  fellow  here. 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  79 

We've  all  grown  very  fond  of  him. 
He's  been  the  joy  of  the  house  all  these  years. 
(Gertrude  takes  paint  box  of  tubes,  pal- 

lette  and  brushes  and  begins  work.) 
(Farson     up     stage    right    going     over 

papers.) 
(Miss  Leland  standing  to   one  side  of 

platform.) 
(Mrs.  Raford  alone,  seated  down  stage 
right,  greatly  admiring  little  Dick.) 
(Coleman  moves  up  stage  left  near  arch, 
intently  studying  both  little  Dick  and 
portrait  Gertrude  is  painting.) 
Mr.  Coleman. 
You  have  great  ability,   Gertrude,  in  getting 
flesh  tints. 

Miss  Leland. 
(Crossing  over  to  Gertrude  and  getting 
near  child.) 
A  remarkable  likeness! 

Mr.  Coleman. 
There's  a  strange  familiarity  in  that  portrait, 
a  familiarity  as  of  some  other  face  I've  known  in 
the  past. 

Gertrude. 
{Looking  up.) 
I  have  felt  that,  too ! 

Mrs.  Raford. 
{Laughing.) 
Oh,  the  fantasies  of  an  artistic  imagination ! 

{Rises  and  comes  toward  Dick.) 
But  I'm  very  proud  of  Gertrude's  work. 


8o  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

{To  Miss  Leland.) 
Have  you  seen  her  latest  miniature,  Mabel? 

Miss  Leland. 
No,  I  haven't. 

(Mrs.  Raford  takes  miniature  from  wall 
window,  pats  Dick^s  head,  then  walks 
towards  Miss  Leland,  left  center,  and 
hands  her  miniature.) 
Mrs.  Raford. 
It's  of  Richard? 

Miss  Leland. 
(Looking  at  it.) 
Why,  dear,  you're  a  genius ;  it's  the  best  you've 
ever  done ! 

(Hands  miniature  to   Coleman,  who  is 

holding  out  his  hand  for  it.) 
(He   holds   it  meditatively   in   his   hands 
while  Mrs.  Raford  and  Miss  Leland 
come  down  stage  left.) 
(Little    Dick's    body    relaxes — a    very 
tired,  pathetic  attitude.) 

Mr.  Coleman. 
It's  beautiful  work,  Gertrude. 
A  really  wonderful  likeness ! 

(Little  Dick  puts  hands  on  head  several 
times,  as  though  in  pain.) 
Gertrude. 
That's  encouraging  from  you. 
I  know  you're  a  connoisseur. 

(Coleman  alternately  glances  from  minia- 
ture to  portrait  several  times.) 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  8i 

Mr.  Coleman. 
There's  a  certain  wistfulness   in  little  Dick's 
eyes    that's    very    similar   to    the    unfathomable 
depths  of  Richard's  eyes. 

Gertrude. 
Yes,   they  both  have   remarkable   eyes — quite 
wonderful — I've  often  noticed  that. 

(Coleman  further  compares  portrait  and 
miniature. ) 

Mrs.  Raford. 
Such  unhesitatingly  frank  eyes ! 

Mr.  Coleman. 
There's  a  certain  expression  about  the  mouth 
that  is  also  very  similar ! 

Have  you  ever  noticed  it,  Mrs.  Raford? 

Miss  Leland. 
Indications  of  a  similar  reserve  strength. 
Mrs.  Raford. 
{Looking  tozvard  portrait,  a  second;  then 
collecting  herself.) 
I've  never  noticed  it  before. 

{Pause.) 
It's  no  wonder,  though. 

Richard  is  so  fond  of  Dick  and  Dick  adores 
Richard. 

Is'nt  it  strange  how  those  who  love  each  other 
grow  to  look  like  each  other. 

{Slight — very   slight — tired    moan    from 

Dick.) 
(Coleman  replaces  miniature  and  ivalks 
to  right  in  reverie.) 
Are  you  tired,  Dick? 


82  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

Dick. 
{Sighing,  but  smiling  bravely.) 

Oh,  no o  ! — not  very. 

{Pause.) 

{A  glance  at  Gertrude  makes  Dick  sit  up 
bravely  and  smile,  pretending  not  to  be 
fatigued.) 

Miss  Leland. 
I've  just  read  Richard's  treatise  on  "Compul- 
sory Sanitation." 
It's  splendid. 

Mrs.  Raford. 
Here's  a  paper  he's  to  read  before  the  Econ- 
omic Society  tomorrow  night. 

{Hands  Miss  Leland  typewritten  manu- 
script from  table.) 

Dick. 

Miss  Gertrude. 

Gertrude. 
Yes,  dear. 

Dick. 
Mrs.  Raford's  your  mama;  isn't  she? 

Gertrude. 
Yes,  dear. 

Dick. 
Who's  my  mama? 

Gertrude. 
You  haven't  one,  dear. 

Dick. 
Why  haven't  I  a  mama? 
Didn't  I  ever  have  a  mama? 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  83 

Gertrude. 
Yes,  dear. 

Dick. 
Where  is  she? 

Gertrude. 
She's  gone  away. 

Dick. 
Where'd  she  go  to? 

Gertrude. 
To  heaven,  my  dear. 

{Changing  subject.) 
Now  you  must  sit  still  if  I'm  to  paint  you. 
(Dick  is  silent  a  moment.) 
Dick. 
But,  Miss  Gertrude,  I  want  to  know ! 

Gertrude. 
Do  be  quiet,  Dick ;  we'll  have  to  stop  painting, 
if  you  don't ! 

(Pause.) 

Miss  Leland. 
(Looking  up  from  manuscript.) 
Richard's  going  to  be  a  great  man. 

Mrs.  Raford. 
Yes,  he's  doing  splendidly  in  both  medicine  and 
law. 

Miss  Leland. 
But  he's  going  to  be  more  than  that;  he's  going 
to  be  a  leader  of  men. 

(Interest  on  part  of  Farson,  zvho  listens.) 
(Miss    Leland    narrowly    watches    him 
ivhile  talking.) 
His  father  led  the  forces  against  Tweed. 


84  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

Richard's  the  same  type. 

All  he  needs  is  a  cause  to  lead. 

When  the  call  comes,  he'll  be  ready. 

Mrs.  Raford. 
Do  you  really  think  so? 

Miss  Leland. 
Yes,  indeed,  I  do ! 

Such  men  are  made  in  an  hour,  and  there's  no 
telling  how  soon  Richard  may  be  called  to  lead 
a  reform  movement. 

(Richard   at   this   moment   enters  from 

rear  center.) 
(Mrs.   Raford  rises  and  moves   toward 
center.) 

Dick. 
Oh,  Mr.  Richard— Mr.  Richard! 

(Richard  turns  toivard  Dick,  ivho  jumps 
from  position  into  Richard's  arms.) 
Oh,  Mr.  Richard ! 
I'm  so  glad  you  didn't  stay  long ! 

(Boyishly,  affectionately,  Dick  flings  his 
arms  about  Richard's  neck  and  gives 
him  a  bear  hug.) 

Richard. 
(To  Mother.) 
I've  just  had  a  'phone  from  the  Fire  Commis- 
sioner.   He  says  our  new  tenements  have  the  most 
efficient  fire  escapes  in  the  city. 

Mrs.  Raford. 
Isn't  that  splendid ;  I'm  so  glad ! 
(Farson  winks  at  Coleman.) 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  85 

(Richard  and  Dick  move  down  stage 
right,  and  take  chair  formerly  occupied 
by  Mrs.  Raford.) 

Mrs.  Raford. 
(To  Coleman  and  Farson.) 
I'm  so  indebted  to  both  of  you  for  your  con- 
scientious help ! 

{To  Miss  Leland.) 
You  see,  dear,  what  wonders  men  can  work. 

Miss  Leland, 
(Coldly.) 
Yes,  but  'twas  woman's  ideal  and  woman's  de- 
cision that  brought  about  the  change. 
Mrs.  Raford. 
Yes,  but  the  rebuilding — they've  carried  it  out 
so  satisfactorily — so  efficiently— -so  economically. 
Mr.  Farson. 
Woman  may  suggest,  but  man's  the  one  to  do 
things. 

It's  his  business  to  look  out  for  her,  and  pro- 
tect her  interests. 

Miss  Leland. 
(Watching  him  closely.) 
Yes,  but  I've  come  to  the  conclusion  that  he 
usually  looks  out  for  himself  first. 
Mrs.  Raford. 
(To  Farson.) 
Let  Miss  Leland  see  the  rebuilding  report. 

Mr.  Farson. 
It's  all  been  accomplished  without  touching  the 
capital. 


86  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

(Farson  hands  Miss  Leland  the  papers. 

all  group  about  them.) 
(Coleman   has  refrained  from   entering 
conversation,  stands  alone  far  up  center, 
studies    portrait,    Richard    and    little 
Dick.) 

Dick. 
Mr.  Richard! 

Richard. 
Yes,  my  boy. 

Dick. 
Miss  Gertrude  said  I  had  a  mama  once. 

Richard. 
(Hesitatingly.) 
Yes,  my  boy! 

Dick. 
(Coleman  standing  near  miniature,  again 
takes  it  for  a  second  or  two.) 
What  was  her  name? 

Richard. 
Winifred. 

Dick. 
(Smiling.) 
And  I  had  a  papa,  too,  didn't  I  ? 

Richard. 
Yes. 

(Richard  is  silent  and  thoughtful.) 

Dick. 
Is  he  in  heaven,  too? 

(Richard  bends  and  kisses  Dick's  fore- 
head.) 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  87 

(Coleman  quietly  zvalks  over  to  hack  of 

Richard  and  Dick.) 
{Hears  close  of  conversation.) 

Dick. 
Where  is  my  papa? 

Richard. 
{Showing  agitation.) 
Oh,  he's  probably  around  somewhere ! 

Dick. 
Why  don't  he  come  to  see  me? 
I  want  a  papa ! 

Richard, 
He  may  come  sometime. 

Dick. 

{Silent  a  moment.) 
{Then  pathetically.) 
I  don't  want  him  to  come. 
I  want  you  for  my  papa ! 

(Richard,  greatly  moved,  remains  silent 

and  affectionately  embraces  hoy.) 
(Coleman  studies  portrait  intently,  indi- 
cates that  he  sees  a  resemblance.) 

Gertrude. 
Aren't  the  kindergarten  rooms  splendid? 
(Coleman  advances,  smiling.) 

Miss  Leland. 
Yes. 

{Pause.) 
How  many  children  have  you  in  the  kinder- 
garten ? 


88  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

(Dr.  Fawtell  is  seen  by  those  on  stage, 
tip-toes  along  back  corridor — gestures 
to  Gertrude.) 

Gertrude. 
Only  a  few  now. 

The  new  tenants  haven't  as  many  children  as 
our  old  tenants  had. 

(Dr.  Fawtell  attracts  Gertrude's  atten- 
tion and  beckons  her  off.) 
(She  nods.) 

Mr.  Coleman. 
The  better  type  of  people  have  fewer  children. 
(Direct  challenging  look  from  Miss  Le- 

land.) 
(Richard  rises,  little  Dick  goes  up   to 

divan  and  then  curls  up.) 
(Gertrude  steals  away  to  left  arch  up 
stage,   joins    Dr.    Fawtell    and    exits 
left.) 

Miss  Leland. 
(Deliberately  and  meaningly.) 
I  understand! 

Richard. 
And  the  clinic  rooms  are  models  of  their  kind ! 
Miss  Leland. 
(Looking  straight  at  Coleman  and  Far- 
son.) 
Richard  ought  to  make  a  practical  application 
of  his  belief  in  compulsory  sanitation. 

Richard. 
I'm  going  to — sometime. 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  89 

Miss  Leland. 
Why  don't  you  try  it  out  in  the  tenements  ? 

Mrs.  Raford. 
It's  an  excellent  idea ! 

Richard. 
Just  the  thing ! 

Mr.  Farson. 
Unnecessary ! 
The  city  has  a  system  of  Health  Inspection ! 

Miss  Leland. 
But  it's  a  special  inspection  we're  speaking  of. 
Model  supervision  of  model  tenements. 
Special  compulsory  inspection  to  keep  them  in 
the  best  sanitary  condition ! 

Mr.  Coleman. 
{Realizing  the  situation.) 

Yes,  yes,  I  suppose  you  are  right,  but 

{Pause.) 

{Winking  at  Farson.) 
Let  the  city  take  care  of  this  situation. 

Mr.  Farson. 
Yes,  I'll  appoint  someone. 

Miss  Leland. 
Who  have  you  in  mind  ? 

Mr.  Farson. 
Oh,  I  don't  know  now — 
Some  young  graduate  out  of  a  job. 

Miss  Leland. 
But  the  position  demands  a  man  of  practical 
training. 

Why  not  appoint  Richard? 


go  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

Mr.  Farson. 
(Taken  aback.) 
Richard  ? 


Miss  Leland. 


Yes. 


(Little   Dick   sits  up   on   the   divan   and 

listens. )      ^ 

^      Richard. 

(Coming    forzvard,    delighted    with    the 
idea.) 
Exactly  what  I  want,  Mayor! 
I'm  tired  of  studying. 
I'm  eager  for  real  work. 

This  is  just  the  kind  of  work  I  want,  and  I  be- 
lieve I'm  fully  qualified  for  it. 
(Farson  silent.) 
(Eagerly.) 
Yes,  yes,  he  certainly  is. 
(Mayor  silent.) 

Mr.  Coleman. 
(Very  suavely.) 
While  Richard  is  fitted  for  the  work,  I  doubt  if 
the  Mayor  should  appoint  hira. 

Richard  has  no  need  of  the  salary,  and  it  is 
the  Mayor's  duty  to  give  the  position  to  someone 
who  needs  it. 

Mr.  Farson. 
Mr.  Coleman  is  right. 

I'd  be  greatly  criticised  if  I  appointed  Richard 
to  a  salaried  position. 

Richard. 
I  don't  want  the  salary — give  it  to  the  city's 
poor! 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  91 

But,  I  do  want  the  position ! 
I  want  to  get  into  real  work,  and  here's  my 
chance. 

You'll  give  me  the  appointment,  won't  you  ? 

Mrs.  Raford. 
Of  course,  Richard;  Mayor  Farson  will  ap- 
point you. 

(Little  DiCK^s  attitude  varies  from  most 
intense  interest  to  apparent  exhaustion, 
changing  from  moment  to  moment  to 
end  of  act.) 

Mr.  Farson. 

But — Richard — is — hardly — the   man    for   the 
position! 

Mrs.  Raford. 
(Surprised  and  somezvhat  indignant.) 

Not  the  man  for  the  position? 

I  don't  understand  you. 

He's  fitted  for  the  work  in  every  way. 

He  knows  conditions  as  they  are,  and  what 
ought  to  be  done. 

He  has  made  a  special  study  of  hygiene. 

Moreover,    he    has    character,    position    and 
means. 

He  is  well  known,  and  the  common  people  have 
confidence  in  him. 

I  can't  conceive  of  any  possible  reason  why  he 
should  not  be  appointed ! 

Mr.  Farson. 
I  acknowledge  Richard's  technical  fitness — but 
there  are  always  two  sides  to  every  question. 


92  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

Mrs.  Raford. 
But  not  this  one ! 

(Farson  does  not  reply.) 

Miss  Leland. 

{To  Farson  and  Coleman.) 

Yes,  there  is  another  side ! 

You're  afraid  of  Richard! 

(Exchange  of  glances  between  Coleman 

and  Farson.) 

(Mrs.    Raford    looks    interrogatively    at 

Miss  Leland.) 

Mrs.  Raford. 

Afraid  of  Richard? 

^,       ^  Richard. 

Of  me? 

Mrs.  Raford. 
I  can't  understand  my  sister's  remark ;  but  I 
do  understand  that  you  refuse  Richard  this  posi- 
tion, and  I  demand  an  explanation. 
Mr.  Coleman. 
My  dear  Mrs.  Raford,  I  am  fully  acquainted 
with  the  conditions,  and  I  assure  you  the  Mayor 
is  acting  solely  to  protect  your  interests. 
Miss  Leland. 
(To  Coleman  and  Farson.) 
He  is  acting  solely  to  protect  your  own  inter- 
ests and  you  know  it. 

(Both  Farson  and  Coleman  startled.) 
Mrs.  Raford. 
Mabel,  what  do  you  mean? 

Tell  me ' 

Mr.  Coleman. 

My  dear  Mrs.  Raford,  I'm  surprised 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  93 

Mr.  Farson. 
Miss  Leland's  mistaken — misinformed ! 

Mrs.  Raford. 
(Turning  to  Farson.) 
Won't  you  please  explain,  then? 

Mr.  Farson. 

(Angrily — at  bay.) 
There's  nothing  to  explain ! 

Miss  Leland. 
(To  Farson.) 
But  there's  something  my  sister  must  know. 

(To  Mrs.  Raford.) 
I  felt  I  knew  why  these  men  first  opposed  your 
plans  to  rebuild. 

I  felt  I  knew  why  their  opposition  changed  to 

approval. 

I  felt  I  knew  why  they  raised  the  rents;  but 
until  today,  until  an  hour  ago,  I  was  not  certain, 
so  I've  kept  still ;  I've  said  nothing. 

But  now  I  know,  and  I'm  going  to  tell  you ! 

Mr.  Farson  and  Mr.  Coleman  have  private 
interests.  Richard,  as  Heahh  Inspector,  would 
discover  what  they  are ! 

My  dear,  they're  deceiving  you,  and  they've  de- 
ceived us  for  years ! 

Mrs.  Raford. 
Deceived  us? 
I  don't  understand ;  I  can't  conceive  what  you 

mean. 


94  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

Miss  Leland. 
{To  Mrs.  Raford.) 
It's  seven  years  since  you  first  decided  to  re- 
build the  tenements,  isn't  it? 

Mrs.  Raford. 
Yes. 

Miss  Leland. 
Mr.  Farson  and  Mr.  Coleman  were  first  op- 
posed to  the  rebuilding,  were  they  not? 
Mrs.  Raford. 
Yes. 

Miss  Leland. 
It  was  a  year  before  they  agreed  to  your  plans, 
wasn't  it? 

Richard. 
Yes !    A  whole  year  was  wasted. 
Miss  Leland. 
{To  Farson.) 
You  agreed  to  Mrs.  Raford's  plans  just  as  soon 
as  you  were  elected  Mayor,  didn't  you? 
Mr.  Farson. 
Well? 

Miss  Leland. 
Why    didn't   you    approve   plans   before    that 
time? 

Mr.  Coleman. 
The  afifairs  of  the  estate  were  not  in  shape. 

Miss  Lelaxd. 
Yes,    I've    heard   that    statement    before,    but 
wasn't  there  another  reason? 

Mr.  Farson. 
None,  absolutely  none! 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  95 

Miss  Leland. 
{To  Mrs.  Raford.) 
Were  you  not  told  that  your  old  tenants  were 
leaving  because  they  did  not  appreciate  the  im- 
provements you  were  installing? 

Richard. 
Yes!    Yes! 

Miss  Leland. 
Did  not  this  change  of  tenants  begin  immedi- 
ately after  Mr.  Farson  was  elected  Mayor? 
Mrs.  Raford. 
I  can't  remember. 

Richard. 
{Looking   azvay,    as    though   figuring    up 
time.) 
Yes, — just  about  that  time  ! 

Miss  Leland. 
Richard,  do  you  remember  that  a  Segregation 
Bill  passed  the  Council  just  before  Mr.  Parson's 
election? 

Richard. 
Yes,  yes,  I  remember. 

Miss  Leland. 
Do  you  remember  the  designated  districts  ? 

Richard. 
Yes,  Yes ! 
I  remember  them  distinctly. 

Miss  Leland. 
The  Tenth  street  tenements  were  not  included 
ir  any  of  those  districts,  were  they? 

Richard. 
No. 


96  Mrs.  Raford^  Humanist 

Miss  Leland. 
(To  Farson.) 
After  designating  the  districts,  did  not  the  bill 
include  a  phrase,  as  follows :    "And  any  other 
district  or  districts  which  the  Mayor  may  deem 
wise  to  segregate?" 

Mr.  Farson. 
Yes,  but  what  of  it? 

Miss  Leland. 
Did  you  not  privately  apply  this  to  Mrs.  Ra- 
ford's  tenements,  just  as  soon  as  you  were  elected 
Mayor  ? 

Mrs.  Raford. 
Tell  me,  tell  me,  are  you  certain  of  this? 
Do  you  know? 

Mr.  Farson. 
She  knows  nothing — it's  mere  supposition ! 
Richard. 
(To  Farson.) 
I'm  not  so  sure ! 

Miss  Leland. 
(To  Farson.) 
You  can't  evade  it ;  you  can't  deny  it ! 

(Little  Dick  on  very  edge  of  divan,  very 
tense.) 

Mr.  Coleman. 
There's  nothing  to  evade ;  there's  nothing  to 
deny! 

Miss  Leland. 
(To  Farson.) 
Did  you  not  by  private  order  segregate  vice  in 
Mrs.  Raford's  tenements? 


Mrs.  Raford^  Humanist  97 

(Pause.) 
Were  not  women  of  ill  fame  compelled  to  move 
there  or  suffer  arrest? 
(Pause.) 

(Astonishment  on  face  of  Mrs.  Raford.) 
Were  not  the  police  instructed  to  protect  these 
women,  and  collect  protection  fees? 
(Pause.) 
Did  not  a  part  of  these  fees  go  into  your  pock- 
ets? 

Mr.  Farson. 
(To  Miss  Leland,  furiously.) 
No — no — no  ! 
Mere  assumption ! 
Mere  rot! 

Miss  Leland. 
Do  you  dare  deny,  that  less  than  an  hour  ago,  in 
this  very  room,  both  of  you  conspired  to  raise  in 
the   same   way,   fifty   thousand   extra   campaign 
money  for  Mr.  Parson's  re-election? 
(Silence.) 

(Richard  very  tense.) 
(Mrs.  Raford  gradually  recovers  herself 
as  the  wrong  of  the  entire  thing  grows 
upon  her.) 

Richard. 

(White  and  tense  with  anger.) 
My  God,  men ! 
Can't  you  speak? 

(Pause.) 
Is  it  true? 


98  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

{Little  Dick's  eyes  staring,  hands  clenched 
and  unclenched — very  nervous.) 
Mr.  Farson. 
(At  bay.) 
It's  all  rot ! 
It's  all  rot ! 

{To  Mtss  Leland.) 
You  can't  prove  I  ever  collected  one  single  cent 
as  protection  money! 

You you ! 

Mr.  Coleman. 
{More  calmly.) 
Don't  credit  mere  heresay  accusation. 

Mrs.  Raford. 
It  is  true ! 
It  is  true ! 
I  see  it  in  your  faces ! 

(Farson  and  Coleman   both  attempt  to 
speak,  but  Mrs.  Raford  silences  them 
with  a  gesture.    The  daze  seems  to  pass 
from  her,  and  she  turns  upon  Farson 
with  vehemence.) 
{To  Farson.) 
My  father  picked  you  up  as  a  little  boy  out  of 
the  streets,  and  gave  you  a  chance  in  life. 

He  trusted  you  to  manage  my  estate  for  me — 
and  in  payment  of  this  trust  you  segregate  vice 
in  my  properties ;  your  police  compel  women  of  ill 
fame  to  live  in  my  tenements — you  collect  fees 
for  protecting  these  women,  and  put  the  gain  into 
your  own  pocket. 

But  I  will  not  stand  it! 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  99 

I  will  not  stand  it! 

I  will  fight  you. 

I  will  appeal  to  the  courts ;  I  will  demand  that 
new  trustees  be  appointed ! 

I  will  demand  the  segregation  act  be  repealed ! 

I  will  not  be  forced  by  law  to  be  the  owner  of 
houses  of  prostitution ! 

Mr.  Coleman. 
But,  Miss  Leland  has  no  proof. 

Mrs.  Raford. 
I  need  no  proof ! 

There  is  something  within  myself — something 
that  convinces  me  that  the  charge  is  true.  And 
I  shall  act  upon  that  conviction — I'll  have  the 
courts  remove  you ! 

Mr.  Farson. 
No  court  will  remove  us  as  trustees,  because 
your  tenements  are  in  a  segregated  district. 

And  my  Council  won't  repeal  an  act  which  we 
believe  to  be  for  the  best  interests  of  the  com- 
munity at  large! 

Richard. 
Then  we'll  have  a  new  Mayor. 
We'll  call  upon  every  decent  man  to  defeat 
you  for  re-election ! 

We'll  elect  a  man  of  honor,  integrity  and  up- 
rightness— a  man  who  does  not  live  on  the  wages 
of  prostitutes ! 

Mr.  Farson. 
(Determinedly.) 
I've  got  the  election  machinery  in  my  hands. 
I'll  break  any  man  you  put  up. 


loo  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

Richard. 

(JVith  equal  determination.) 

We  will  find  a  man  who  is  neither  afraid  of 

you  nor  your  political  organization — one  who'll 

defeat  you  and  smash  the  machine! 

Mr.  Farson. 

Who?  ^ 

Richard. 

We'll  find  one ! 

,,n    -,  Mr.  Farson. 

Who? 

Who'd  try  it? 

Name  your  man ! 

Miss  Leland. 
( Vehemently  interrupting.) 
I  know  the  man. 
I've  watched  him  develop. 
He  has  youth ;  he  has  strength ;  he  has  wealth ; 
he  has  position ;  he  knows  the  needs  of  the  city's 
poor;  the  people  trust  him;  he  is  untainted  by 
political  corruption;  he  is  not  afraid  of  you  nor 
your  infamous  machine ;  he  is  courageous  and  a 
fighter — the    son    of    the    man    who    overthrew 
Tweed. 

Richard  Raford  will  run  against  you! 

(Richard  at  first  overwhelmed;  facial  ex- 
pression shows  very  rapid  change   of 
thought — then  decision.) 
(Coleman  cynical.) 
(Mayor  Farson  disgusted.) 
(Little  Dick  gripping  and  ungripping  edge 
of  divan;  seemingly  almost  on  verge  of 
child  hysteria.) 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  ioi 

Mr.  Farson. 
Huh! 

Mrs.  Raford. 
{To  Richard.) 
{Face  lighting  interestingly.) 
Yes,  yes,  you  must !     Remember  your  father ! 
Finish  the  work  he  began ! 
Richard. 
{Determinedly  and  emphatically  to  audi- 
ence.) 
I  will ! 

{To  Mayor  Farson.) 
I'll  fight  you ! 

But  Fll  give  you  a  chance  right  now  to  with- 
draw, and  if  you  don't,  Fll  make  your  entire 
record  public ! 

Your  machine  cannot  stand  the  storm  of  public 
disapproval ! 

Publicity  will  kill  you ! 

{Little  Dick  half  rises.) 
Mr.  Farson. 
Publicity ! 
Hell! 

Two  can  play  at  that  game ! 

Dick. 
{Falling  hack  on  edge  of  divan,  puts  hands 
to  head  and  screams.) 
Oh— oh— oh ! 

{All    rush    to    him    except    Farson    and 
Coleman.) 

CURTAIN. 


ACT  III. 

One  Week  Later. 
Scene — Same  as  Act  II. 
Mrs.  Raford,  Gertrude,  Richard,  Dr.  Fawtell,  and 

Jean  grouped  about  child,  who  is  seated  at  center 

stage. 
Dr.  Fawtell  is  making  tests  of  Dick's  eyes. 
Gertrude,  sitting,  alternately  runs  her  hand  through 

Dick's  hair  and  holds  his  hand. 
Jean,  much  concerned,  trying  to  appear  light-hearted 

to  little  Dick;  gives  a  touch  of  jolliness  whenever 

possible. 
Mrs.  Raford  standing  near. 
The  doctors  make  various  eye  tests. 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
{Putting    light    instrument    over    one    of 
Dick's  eyes;  speaks  sympathetically.) 
You're  not  afraid,  are  you  ? 

Dick. 

{Siviiling  slightly,  hut  not  flinching, pathet- 
ically and  patiently.) 
No,  sir! 

Jean. 
It's  nae  the  like  of  him  to  be  afraid ! 

Richard. 
Of    course   he    isn't;    it    takes    big   things    to 
frighten  him. 

{Pats  him  on  the  cheek.) 
He's  a  Httle  man ! 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  103 

Just  a  moment  more,  my  boy. 
We'll  soon  be  through. 

{Makes  light  test;  glances  and  questioning 
looks  by  Mrs.  Raford  and  Gertrude 
after  test.) 
{'Phone  rings.) 

Jean. 
He's  a  brave  laddie ;  that  he  is. 

(Richard    leaves    group    and    goes    to 
phone.) 
Hello ! 

{Pause.) 
Aunt  Mabel  ? 

{Pause.) 
Oh,  yes ! 

{Pause.) 
What  is  it? 

{Pause.) 
As  important  as  that? 

{Pause.) 
Yes,  come  over  at  once. 

{Pause.) 
Yes,  come  right  away. 

{Pause.) 
In  five  minutes? 

{Pause.) 
The  sooner  the  better ! 

{Pause.) 
Good-bye. 

{Puts  dozun  receiver,  rejoins  group.) 
Another  victory,  mother! 


104  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

Jean. 
{To  Dick.) 
Lsiten  to  it,  laddie! 

Mrs.  Raford. 
What  is  it? 

Richard. 
"Good  Government  League"  support ! 

Jean. 
{To  Dick.) 
'Twould  nae  be  good  if  it  didna  support  him! 

Gertrude. 
{To  Dick,  stroking  his  hair.) 
That's  good  for  Mr.  Richard,  isn't  it,  dear? 

Dick. 

{Sm iling,  wan ly . ) 
Yes,  Miss  Gertrude. 

Mrs.  Raford. 
I  see  only  victory,  Richard,  only  victory ! 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
{Pausing  a  moment  in  his  test  work.) 
Hadn't  we  better  begin  calling  you  "the  honor- 
able" at  once? 

Gertrude. 
Think  of  it ! 

Richard  Leland — Raford ! 
The  Honorable  Mayor! 

{To  Dick.) 
You'd  like  to  see  Mr.  Richard,  Mayor,  wouldn't 
you? 

(Dick  nods.) 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  105 

Jean. 
Mr.    Richard    would    be    the    grand    Mayor, 
wouldna  he? 

Richard. 
There's  many  a  shp — you  know;  but  there's 
more  good  news. 

Gertrude. 
What? 

Richard. 
I  don't  know ;  too  important  even  to  be  'phoned. 
Aunt  Mabel  is  coming  to  tell  us. 

Mrs.  Raford. 
It  must  be  very  important. 

(Dick  puts  his  hands  to   his  head  and 

moans  very  slightly.) 
(Going  to  house  'phone.) 
Parker,  when  Miss  Leland  comes,  send  her  to 
the  library  immediately. 
(Pause.) 
Yes,  thank  you. 

(Hangs  up  'phone.) 

(Dick  appears  more  and  more  nervous, 

shows  signs  of  great  fatigue.) 
(Richard  and  Doctor  privately  consult 
while  Gertrude  and  Jean  affectionately 
play  with  Dick.) 
Jean. 
(To  Richard.) 
The  poor  bairnie  is  sae  tired,  Mr.  Richard. 
Richard. 
(To  Dr.  Fawtell.) 
We'd  better  stop  for  today. 


io6  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

(Dr.  Fawtell  repacks  instruments.) 
(To  Dick.) 
My  little  boy  is  tired,  isn't  he? 
But  he'll  soon  be  rested. 

(Dick  remains  silent,  smiles  at  Richard, 

and  rolls  his  head  back  and  forth.) 
(Mrs.  Raford  and  Gertrude  fondle  little 
Dick.) 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
He's  a  brave  little  fellow. 

Gertrude. 
Indeed,  he's  always  brave ! 

Jean. 
He's  a  real  Robert  Bruce ! 

Mrs.  Raford. 
{To  Dick.) 
You'd  like  to  go  out  into  the  garden,  wouldn't 
you? 

{To  Jean.) 
Take  him  to  see  the  gold  fish. 

Jean. 
{Playfully  to  Dick.) 
And  the  frogs ! 

(Dr.  Fawtell  places  instrument  case  up 
stage  right.) 

Gertrude. 

{To  Dick.) 
I'll  go  with  you,  dear. 
We'll  go  out  quietly. 
We'll  catch  the  frogs  sitting  on  the  lily  leaves. 

{Takes  his  hand,  helps  him  down.) 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  107 

Dick. 

(Holding  hands  toward  Richard.) 
Won't  you  come,  too? 

Richard. 
{Stoops,  embraces  him.) 
In  just  a  moment;  you  run  on  with  sister  and 
Jean  and  I'll  come  soon. 

(Gertrude  and  Jean  exit  through  gar- 
den doors  with  Dick.  Gertrude  ttirns, 
beckons  Dr.  Fawtell  —  he  smiles, 
nods.) 

Dr.  Fawtell. 
{To  Richard.) 
Think  I'll  go  out  for  a  moment,  too! 
Richard. 
(Understanding  and  laughing.) 
All  right,  old  man! 
(Exit  Fawtell.) 

Mrs.  Raford. 
Paul  is  such  a  splendid  fellow ;  Gertrude  is  so 
happy ! 

(Changing  subject.) 
But  how  is  Dick? 

Richard. 
It's  progressive,  mother. 
Conditions  are  certainly  growing  worse. 

Mrs.  Raford. 
Can  nothing  be  done  ? 

Richard. 
I  don't  know. 

Mrs.  Raford. 
Can't  even  the  pain  be  stopped  ? 


io8  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

Richard. 
I'm  afraid  not,  mother. 

Mrs.  Raford. 
(Meditatively.) 
What  a  strange,  strange  world- 


Why  should  an  innocent  child  be  so  terribly 
afflicted ! 

(Directly.) 
What  is  the  cause  ? 

Richard. 
It's  inherited. 

Miss  Leland. 
(Appearing  in  arch  way  to  right.    Mock 
heroically.) 
Victory  to  the  victor ! 

Richard. 
(Turning.) 
Ah,  Aunt  Mabel,  and  what  is  the  good  news  ? 

Mrs.  Raford. 
Yes,  dear,  tell  us. 

Miss  Leland. 
(Very  enthusiastically,  creating  great  ex- 
pectancy.) 
I  saw  Mr.  Forgan  this  morning ! 

All. 
(In  concert.) 
Mr.  Forgan? 

Miss  Leland. 
Yes,  just  plucked  up  courage  and  went  to  him. 

Richard. 
What  did  he  say? 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  109 

Miss  Leland. 
Just  listened — oh,  he's  a  very  great  man — he 
Hstened — never  said  yes  or  no — never  asked  a 
question — just  listened! 

Mrs.  Raford. 
Didn't  he  commit  himself  ? 

Miss  Leland. 
Not  then,  but  the  three  afternoon  papers  con- 
trolled by  him  are  out  with  an  editorial  com- 
mendation of  Richard ! 

Think  of  it — and  only  five  hours  since  I  called! 
That's  the  way  he  works ! 

(Jean  enters  zvith  cards;  gives  them  to 
Mrs.  Raford.) 
Richard,  your  nomination  is  assured. 
Nothing  can  come  between  us  and  victory ! 
Mrs.  Raford. 
(Looking  up,  shozvs  surprise.) 
They're  calling! 

Both. 
Who? 

Mrs.  Raford. 
The  Mayor !  and  Mr.  Coleman ! 

Richard. 
Is  it  possible? 

Mrs.  Raford. 
What  do  they  expect  to  gain  by  coming  here? 

Richard. 
I  don't  understand  how  they  dare  come. 

Miss  Leland. 
They've  seen  the  afternoon  papers. 
They  know  they're  beaten. 


no  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

Richard. 
We've  got  them  on  the  hip ;  let's  see  them ! 
Mrs.  Raford. 
(To  Jean.) 
Show  the  gentlemen  up. 

(Richard  puts  hands  in  pocket,  squares 
his  shoulders  and  ivalks  back  of  Miss 
Leland  to  extreme  right  of  stage,  down 
front.) 
(Mrs.  Raford  shoiving  slight  loss  of  self- 
possession   and  customary  calm,  nerv- 
ously   walks    to    window    at    left    and 
7vaits. ) 
(Embarrassing  silence  for  a  few  seconds.) 
(Miss  Leland,  calm,  looks  first  at  Rich- 
ard and  then  at  Mrs.  Raford.) 

Jean. 
(Announcing  very  formally.) 
Mr.  Coleman  and  Mayor  Farson. 
(Coleman  and  Farson  enter.) 

Mr.  Coleman. 
(Very  pleasantly  and  very  graciously.) 
Good  afternoon,   Mrs.   Raford,   Miss   Leland, 
Dr.  Richard. 

(Farson  7iods  to  each  in  same  order.) 
(Each  replies  only  zvith  a  gesture  of  recog- 
nition.) 
(Coleman  and  Farson  left  standing  up 

center,  appear  disconcerted.) 
(To  Miss  Leland.) 
You  are  looking  exceptionally  well ;  as  charm- 
ing as  ever,  Miss  Leland. 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  hi 

(Mrs.  Raford  scats  herself  doivn  stage, 
left.) 

Miss  Leland. 
Yes,  I  am  exceptionally  well,  and  I  have  ex- 
ceptional reasons  for  feeling  exceptionally  well. 
I  had  a  conference  with  Mr.  Forgan  this  morn- 


ing- 


Mr.  Farson. 
{With  suppressed  force.) 
Yon  saw  Mr.  Forgan? 

Miss  Leland. 
{Indifferently.) 
Yes,  we  had  an  hour's  conference. 

{Seats  herself  indifferently,  dozvn  stage, 
right.) 

Mr.  Coleman. 
{Very  suavely  and  calmly.) 
We  have  called  hoping  to  be  able  to  quiet  the 
disagreeable  rumors  that  are  going  about. 

We  regret  exceedingly  that  anything  should 
break  into  the  friendship  that  has  existed  so  many 
years  between  the  Rafords,  the  Mayor  and  my- 
self. 

We  apologize  for  our  attitude  in  the  past. 
What  we  did,  we  did  because  we  thought  at  the 
time  that  it  was  for  the  best  interests  of  your 
estate  and  for  the  best  interests  of  the  city. 

We  see  that  we  were  wrong ;  we  wish  to  apolo- 
gize and  re-right  any  wrong  we  have  done. 

Richard. 
And  what  do  you  propose? 


112  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

Mr.  Coleman. 
Unity,  harmony. 

Mr.  Farson. 
Compromise. 

Mr.  Coleman. 
{To  Richard.) 
The  publicity  is  unpleasant. 
I  have  my  standing  in  the  business  world. 
Mrs.  Raford  has  her  position  in  society. 
It  matters  not  whether  things  said  be  true  or 
untrue,  they  are  harmful — unpleasant! 

The  notoriety  will  affect  my  business ;  it  will 
affect  society's  attitude  toward  your  mother, 
Mrs.  Raford. 
And  what  do  you  propose? 

Mr.  Coleman. 
Harmony. 

Richard. 
{Indignantly.) 
You  ask  me  to  withdraw? 

Mr.  Coleman. 
For  tJiis  election — yes! 

Mrs.  Raford. 
No! 

Richard. 
Never ! 

Mr.  Coleman. 
Our  whole  purpose  is  but  to  save  the  present 
situation. 

As  I  understand  it,  you  are  fighting  for  prin- 
ciple and  are  not  personally  desirous  of  becom- 
ing Mayor. 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  113 

But  the  masses  of  the  people — the  voters — and 
even  the  papers  are  beginning  to  think  that  this  is 
a  personal  contest  between  you  and  Mayor  Far- 
son. 

Now,  Richard,  if  you  will  meet  us  just  half 
way,  we'll  carry  out  the  reforms  you're  inter- 
ested in,  and  support  you  as  a  candidate  to  suc- 
ceed Mayor  Farson  next  term. 

If  we  combine  forces  now,  we  can  elect  Farson. 

But  if  we  fight  each  other,  some  other  candi- 
date— some  dark  horse — may  secure  the  nomina- 
tion and  both  you  and  the  Mayor  lose  out. 

Richard. 

I  appreciate  your  plea  for  unified  effort,  but  I 
am  fighting  Mayor  Farson  and  everything  he 
stands  for. 

I  am  fighting  for  civic  righteousness. 

It  is  not  this  campaign  alone  in  which  I  am 
interested. 

I  want  to  arouse  the  public  conscience  on  all 
matters  of  civic  and  moral  interest. 

I  want  the  co-operation  of  every  honest  man 
and  woman. 

If  I  knew  I  were  going  to  absolute  defeat  in 
this  campaign,  I  should  lead  the  fight  just  the 
same. 

But  I  am  sure  of  victory,  and  not  only  am  I 
sure  of  victory  in  this  campaign,  but  I  see  the 
movement  spreading. 

I  see  a  moral  awakening  of  all  the  people. 

I  see  industrial  slavery  of  childhood  abolished. 

I  see  the  sex  slavery  of  woman  eliminated. 


114  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

I  feel  that  I  am  to  be  a  factor  in  this  movement. 
I  feel  that  I  am  called  to  lead  it,  and  neither 
wealth    nor    influence,    nor    promise    of    future 
power — nothing  can  swerve  me ! 

{The  pathetic  wailing  of  a  child  is  heard.) 
(Astonishment   appears   on   the  faces   of 

Coleman  and  Farson.) 
(Miss  Leland,  tense,  looks  up  stage.) 
(Richard  stares  in  desperate  fear  at  third 

arch  up  stage  left.) 
(Mrs.   Raford  holds  breath  as  if  para- 
lyzed, hands  grasping  arm  of  chair,  eyes 
defocused  towards  audience.) 
{Little  Dick,  arms  distended,  eyes  staring 
wildly,   enters   through   arch    up   stage, 
piteously  wailing.) 
(Richard  puts  his  left  hand  to  his  head.) 
{Little    Dick    advances    toward    center 
stage.) 

Dick. 
{Piteously.) 
Richard,  Mr.  Richard! 

{Stumbles  against  side  of  chair.) 
My  eyes  have  gone  out ! 
My  eyes  have  gone  out ! 

Mrs.  Raford. 
{Rises,  looking  toward  garden  doors.) 
Oh,  doctor,  doctor! 

(Richard  rushes  to  little  Dick,  passion- 
ately clasps  him  in  his  arms  and  tenderly 
caresses  him.) 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  115 

(Dr.    Fawtell    rushes    in,    folloived    by 
Gertrude.  ) 

Dick. 
{Pathetically,  almost  sobbing.) 
Oh  Mr.  Richard,  I  can't  see ! 
I  can't  see! 
I  can't  see! 

Richard. 
(Brokenly.) 
There — there — little  boy — don't  cry. 

(Mrs.  Raford  sinks  again  into  chair;  Dr. 
Fawtell  signals  Miss  Leland  to  look 
after  Mrs.  Raford  zuhile  he  helps  Rich- 
ard out  with  child.) 
(Miss    Leland    and    Gertrude    support 

Mrs.  Raford  and  lead  her  out.) 
(Farson  stands  still.) 
(Coleman  calmly  zvalks  down  stage  and 
about,  stops  a  moment,   looks  medita- 
tively and  calculatingly  at  audience,  re- 
sumes calm  zvalk.) 
(Farson  deeply  affected.) 
(Coleman  thoughtful.) 

Mr.  Farson. 
Poor  little  kid ! 

(Coleman  does  not  reply.) 
It  must  be  hell  to  go  blind ! 

Mr.  Coleman. 
It  has  greatly  affected  Richard. 

Mr.  Farson. 
Dam  it,  it  has  affected  me,  too ! 


ii6  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

Mr.  Coleman. 
I  mean  it  has  an  extraordinary  affect  upon 
Richard. 

Mr.  Farson. 
Well,  he  likes  the  kid. 

(Coleman  walks  about.) 
(Farson  seats  himself.) 

Mr.  Coleman. 
(Looking  straight  at  Farson.) 
Mayor,  do  you  realize  that  that  little  fellow  is 
the  cause  of  all  the  trouble  we  have  had  with  the 
Rafords? 

Mr.  Farson. 
Don't  blame  the  kid. 

Mr.  Coleman. 
I  don't  blame  him,  but  he  is  the  cause. 
Don't  you  remember  how  all  this  started? 
You  and  I  called  down  to  the  tenements  where 
we  found  this  little  fellow. 

Richard  miraculously  reformed,  ready  to  lead 
a  new  life ! 

Mr.  Farson. 
(Indifferently.) 
Oh,  drop  it ! 
(Pause.) 

Mr.  Coleman. 
(Walks  tozvards  portrait,  studies  it  a  mo- 
ment.) 
(Turns  to  Farson.) 
Remarkable  likeness,  isn't  it.  Mayor? 

Mr.  Farson. 
Yes,  they  say  she  does  do  good  work. 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  117 

(Coleman  zualks  to  wall  window  and 
picks  up  miniature .^ 

Mr.  Coleman. 
{Handing  miniature  to  Farson.) 
Remarkable  likeness  of  Richard'  isn't  it? 

(Coleman  gestures  tozvard  portrait;  Far- 
son  looks  at  miniature,  strikes  chair  and 
exclaims.) 

Mr.  Farson. 
My  God ! 

{He  sits  a  moment  thinking.) 
(Coleman  stands  to  side  watching  him.) 
(Farson  looks  out  at  audience  and  whis- 
tles softly.) 
And  I've  got  the  proof ! 

Mr.  Coleman. 
What's  that? 

Mr.  Farson. 
I've  got  the  proof  ! 

Mr.  Coleman. 
Well? 

Mr.  Farson. 
On   that   very   day   he   took   out   a   marriage 
license ;  I  saw  it  on  the  records. 
I  tried  to  kid  him  about  it. 
He  turned  it  aside  as  a  joke. 

{Hands  miniature  back  to  Coleman^  zvho 

replaces  it.) 
(Farson    rises   energetically,   zualks   for- 
ward  and   back,   turns  forzvard,   looks 
Coleman  in  the  face.) 
We've  got  him ! 


1 18  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

(Richard  appears  in  arch  way,  pale,  ner- 
vous, as  though  in  great  mental  suffer- 
ing.) 
{The  two  men  turn  to  him.) 
{He  speaks  quietly  and  softly.) 
Richard. 
You  must  understand,  gentlemen,  that  our  con- 
ference cannot  be  continued. 

Even  if  there  were  anything  to  be  discussed,  I 
am  not  now  in  the  condition  or  mood  to  discuss 
it  with  you. 

I  think,  however,  that  you  are  definitely  in- 
formed   as    to    my    position    and    I    think    you 
must  know  I  do  not  intend  to  alter  it. 
Mr.  Farson. 
Yes,  yes,  I  remember  what  you  said, 

Mr.  Coleman. 
My  dear,  Richard,  do  be  seated  just  a  moment. 

(Richard  makes  negative  gesture.) 
I  know  the  affliction  of  the  little  fellow  has 
greatly  affected  you. 

But  matters  have  just  developed  which  make  it 
necessary  for  us  to  have  a  few  more  minutes  with 
you. 

(Richard  indifferently  drops  into  chair  up 
center.) 
And  first,  we  wish  to  express  our  sympathy. 
We  feel  we  understand  how  deeply  the  boy's 
affliction  affects  you. 

He  has  grown  very  dear  to  you,  has  he  not? 

Richard. 
Yes,  we  are  all  very  fond  of  him  ? 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  119 

Mr.  Coleman. 
Poor  little  fellow ! 

I  heard  him  pleading  last  week  for  a  papa  and 
a  mama. 

Strange,  how  cruel  this  world  is  to  some  of 
these  little  ones. 

Nothing  can  really  take  the  place  of  a  mother's 
love. 

(Pause.) 

(Narrowly  watching  Richard.) 
Nor  a  father's,  either. 

(Richard  at  the  moment,  feeling  he  is 
watched,  gives  no  sign  of  recognizing 
any  hidden  meaning.) 
(Later  he  quickly  and  covertly  glances  first 
at  Coleman,  then  at  Farson,  indicating 
to  the  audience  that  he  is  now  suspicious 
of  Coleman's  questioning.) 
And  the  father  was  never  known,  was  he? 
Richard. 
(Indifferently.) 
No,  I  think  not. 

Mr.  Coleman. 
Poor  little  fellow ! 
Can't  anything  be  done  for  him  ? 
Richard. 
(Despairingly.) 
Nothing. 

Mr.  Coleman. 
Are  you  certain? 

Richard. 
Absolutely. 


I20  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

Dr.  Fawtell  and  I  have  called  in  the  best  special- 
ists.   They  all  agree  with  us. 

Mr.  Coleman. 
What's  the  cause? 

Richard. 
Inheritance. 

Mr.  Coleman. 
Ah,  yes,  the  mother. 

Richard. 
(Quickly.) 
No,  no,  the  father. 

Mr.  Coleman. 
The  father! 

Oh, o,  yes! 

(Pause.) 

(Walking  about  stage,  meditatively  look- 
ing at  portrait.) 
Poor  little  fellow,  poor  little  fellow ! 
This  face  is  an  angel's  face! 
(Turning  to  Richard.) 
Wonderful  likeness,  isn't  it,  Richard? 

Richard. 
Yes,  remarkable. 

Mr.  Coleman. 
It  always  has  a  sort  of  mystic  effect  upon  me — 
something  strangely  familiar  about  the  face  that 
takes  me  back  to  your  boyhood  days. 
One  day  I  spoke  of  it  to  Gertrude. 
She  said  it  had  the  same  effect  upon  her. 
Strange,  isn't  it? 

Richard, 
I'd  never  noticed  it. 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  121 

Mr.  Coleman. 
No,  I  suppose  not. 

(Deliberately.) 
You   could  hardly  be  expected  to   remember 
yourself  as  a  boy. 

Richard. 
(Coldly.) 
What  do  you  mean? 

Mr.  Coleman. 
That  if  you  enter  public  life  the  story  of  your 
parenthood  of  little  Dick  will  probably  become 
public ! 

Richard. 
(Jumping  to  his  feet  in  great  anger.) 
So  this  is  your  game? 

You  think  you'll  win  by  slandering  me;  but 
you're  mistaken ! 

I  demand  that  you  leave  here  at  once ! 
If  you  again  hint  the  accusation  you  have  just 
made,  I  will  liave  you  arrested  for  criminal  libel! 
I  will  prosecute  you  for  blackmail ! 
Good  afternoon. 

(Starts  to  leave.) 

Mr.  Farson. 
(Jumping  up  and  catching  hold  of  Rich- 
ard's shoidder.) 
Hold  on,  young  man,  just  one  thing  more. 

(Looking  Richard  straight  in  the  eye.) 
You  forget  that  down  among  the  dusty  archives 
ut  the  city  hall  there  is  a  record  of  your  marriage 
\icense;  your  signature. 


122  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

That  would  stand  in  any  court  in  the  land. 
Nice  story  about  a  reform  candidate ! 
Great  scoop  for  the  papers ! 
How   about   "publicity"   now? 

(Richard  quietly  sinks  into  chair,  clasping 
arms  of  the  chair  tensely.) 
It'll  ruin  your  career,  humiliate  your  sister,  dis- 
grace your  mother,  and  stain  the  little  fellow's 
name  for  life ! 

Mr.  Coleman. 
Considering  all  this,  would  it  not  be  better  for 
you  to  withdraw  your  name? 

{They  ivait  zvhile  Richard  remains  silent, 
eyes  closed.) 

Mr.  Farson, 
Will  you  withdraw? 

(Mrs.  Rafoi^),  evidently  rather  weak  and 
very  pale,  is  seen  zvith  Miss  Leland 
entering  through  first  arch  up  right.) 
(Quietly  to  Richard.) 
Will  you  ? 

(Richard  nods.) 

(Mrs.   Raford  and  Miss  Leland  enter 

through  middle  arch.) 
(Coleman  greets  them.) 

Mr.  Coleman. 
I  trust  you  are  better,  Mrs.  Raford. 
(Mrs.  Raford  bozvs.) 
(Richard,  at  hearing  his  mother's  name, 
rises    and    nervously    moves    up    stage 
right. ) 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  123 

I  fear,  Mrs.  Raford,  that  we  have  intruded  too 
long. 

(Farson  crosses  back  of  Coleman  and 

moves  dozvn  stage  left.) 
(Richard  seats  himself  in  chair  formerly 
occupied  by  Miss  Leland.) 
I  regret  the  sad  occurrence  of  this  afternoon, 
and  trust  that  something  may  yet  be  done  for  the 
Httle  fellow. 

I  am  glad,  however,  that  we  have  been  able  to 
convince  Richard  that  it  is  unwise  for  him  to  con- 
tinue to  seek  the  nomination. 

He  has  given  us  his  promise  that  he  will  not  be 
a  candidate  for  Mayor. 

(Miss  Leland  receives  tJie  announcement 

with  astonishment  and  indignation.) 
(Mrs.  Raford  with  astonishment,  fear  and 
suspicion.) 

Mrs.  Raford. 
{Almost  piteously.) 
Richard ! 

Miss  Leland. 
It  can't  be  true ! 

Richard. 

{Controlling  himself  with  very  great  ef- 
fort, lifting  his  bowed  head  and  turning 
it   partly    towards   his   mother,   speaks 
brokenly.) 
Yes,  mother,  I've  consented. 

(Miss    Leland,    indignantly    suspicious, 
furtively  zvatches  calmly  smiling  face  of 


124  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

Mr.  Coleman  and  notes  grim  satisfac- 
tion on  face  of  Farson.) 
{Her  attitude  shows  that  she  suspects  foul 
play.) 

Mrs.  Raford. 
{Moving  step  or  tzvo  nearer  Richard.) 
But  Richard? 

Richard. 
It  is  best. 

Mrs.  Raford. 
{Pleadingly.) 
No,  no,  no,  you  must  not! 

Miss  Leland. 
{Decidedly.) 
You  cannot ! 

Richard. 
{Despairingly.) 
I  must! 

Mrs.  Raford. 
You're  ill,  Richard ! 
You  don't  know  what  you're  doing ! 
You  must  not  withdraw  now ! 
You  must  continue  the  fight ! 

Miss  Leland. 

You  can't  withdraw  now. 

We're  in  this  fight  for  the  public  good ;  it  is 
not  a  matter  of  personal  preference;  it  is  your 
duty! 

The  city  needs  your  services. 

You  are  as  much  bound  as  though  the  nation 
needed  you  as  a  soldier ! 


Mrs.  Raford^  Humanist  125 

Mrs.  Raford. 
Yes,  Richard,  don't  you  hear,  don't  you  under- 
stand ? 

It  is  your  duty ! 
You  must  continue ! 

Richard. 
{With  finality.) 
Mother,  I  cannot ! 

Mrs.  Raford. 
You  cannot ! 

{Turning  zvith  indignation,  first  to  Far- 
son,  and  then  to  Coleman.) 
I  do  not  know  what  you  have  said  to  Richard ; 
how   you  have   influenced  him ;   how   you  have 
threatened  him;  but  he  is  my  son  and  V\\  fight 
for  him ! 

He  may  consent  to  withdraw ;  but  the  people 
are  awakened. 

They  will  demand  him  and  he  will  be  nomi- 
nated. 

Mr.  Farson. 
You  don't  know  what  you're  fighting. 

Mr.  Coleman. 
But  Richard  does. 
He  knows  it's  best  to  withdraw. 

Miss  Leland. 
You're  keeping  something  under  cover  now. 
But  I'll  find  out  what  it  is. 

Mr.  Farson. 
You'd  better  let  the  matter  drop. 

Mr.  Coleman. 
I  think  it  would  be  wiser  to  do  so. 


126  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

Mrs.  Raford. 
But  we'll  not  let  the  matter  drop  ! 
We'll  find  out  what  it  is. 
And  when  we've  found  out,  we'll  fight  you ! 
We'll  fight  you  to  the  end.' 

Miss  Leland. 
{Crossing  to  Richard.) 
Tell  me,  Richard ! 
What  is  it  ?    What  is  it  ? 

(Coleman,  standing  back  of  Mrs.  Ra- 
ford, quietly  yet  obviously  takes  minia- 
ture of  Richard  from  wall  window,  and 
quietly  holds  it  in  front  of  Mrs.  Ra- 
ford.) 

Mr.  Coleman. 

(Quietly  to  Mrs.  Raford.) 
I  think  you'd  better  know. 

(Mrs.  Raford  gaces  at  it  wonderingly.) 

(Coleman  turns,  points  to  portrait,  and 
holds  XI p  miniature  so  that  she  can  com- 
pare the  tzvo.) 

{For  a  second  her  eyes  are  riveted  upon 
portrait  and  miniature.) 

(Coleman  carefully  replaces  miniature.) 

{Her  hands  grip,  slowly  she  turns  her  eyes 
back  to  audience,  her  whole  face  show- 
ing she  understands.) 

{Her  eyes  turn  toward  Richard.) 

{She  sobs  once.) 

Mrs.  Raford. 
Oh,  Richard,  Richard! 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  127 

(She  sinks  into  chair.) 

(Richard  rising,  rushes  to  his  mother, 
falls  on  one  knee,  clasps  her  right  hand 
in  both  of  his  and  kisses  it.) 

Richard. 

Oh,  mother,  mother ! 

(Miss    Leland    realizes    Mrs.    Raford's 
condition,  hut  does  not  know  the  cause.) 
{Her  eyes  show  how  intensely  she  is  think- 
ing, trying  to  grasp  the  cause  of  it  all.) 
I've  worked  so  hard  to  be  of  use  in  the  world. 
I've  tried  so  hard  to  undo  the  past. 
I  wanted  to  make  it  less  possible  for  others  to 
go  wrong. 

All  these  years  I  have  prayed  and  prayed  and 
prayed  that  this  wrong  might  be  forgotten,  that 
you  might  never  know  of  it,  that  you  would  never 
suffer  from  it.' 

And,  oh,  how  I  have  prayed  that  little  Dick 
would  never  know ! 

It's  been  awful  to  hear  the  little  fellow  plead 

and  plead  for  a  father  and  not  be  able  to  tell  him ! 

I  had  hoped  some  time  to  adopt  him ;  give  him 

his  rightful  name,  but  without  the  stain  of  my 

wrong. 

(Miss  Leland  conveys  to  audience  that 
she  understands  the  secret.) 
But  now  all  my  plans  are  wrecked,  and  all  my 
hopes  are  gone ! 

All  my  prayers  have  failed — little  Dick  is  blind 
— blind — and  you — you — my  mother,  the  mother 


128  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

who  has  loved  and  cared  for  me — you  must  bear 
— you  must  bear  the  burden  of  it  all ! 

Mrs.  Raford. 
(Putting  her  hands  upon  his  head.) 
Oh,  my  boy,  my  boy ! 

(Miss  Leland  quietly  zvipes  her  eyes.) 

Richard. 
(Continuing.) 
Mother,  I  had  hoped  to  make  you  so  happy ;  I 
wanted  to  make  you  so  proud  of  me,  yet  all  I 
bring    you    is    sorrow    and    humiliation — over- 
whelming disgrace ! 

Mrs.  Raford. 
(With  resignation  and  determination.) 
We  mustn't  think  of  that;  we  mustn't  fear  it; 
we  must  face  it ! 

We'll  not  give  in,  Richard ! 
We'll  continue  the  fight ! 

Richard. 
No,  no,  mother ! 

Think  of  the  shame,  the  suffering,  the  dishonor, 
the  disgrace  it  would  bring  upon  you ! 
I  won't  do  it ! 

I  can't  make  you  suffer  so ! 
Besides,  it  won't  do  any  good. 
It  won't  do  any  good ! 
I  can't  enter  public  life  again ! 
If  I  attack  an  evil,  they'll  expose  me;  they'll 
ruin  me ! 

They'll  jeer  me  for  rebelling  against  vice ;  and 
they'll  disgrace  you ;  they'll  humiliate  you ! 
And  I  can't  help  it !    I  can't  change  it ! 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  129 

Miss  Leland. 
{Coming  up   stage   and   standing   behind 

Mrs.  Raford.) 
{Putting    her    hand    affectionately    upon 
Richard's  shovdder.) 
But  you  can  live  above  it. 

You  are  only  one  of  hundreds  who're  snared 
in  the  vicious  web  of  our  social  life ! 
{Turning  to  Mrs.  Raford.) 
But  Richard  is  right,  dear. 
He  cannot  re-enter  public  life. 

Mrs.  Raford. 
But  w^e  must  not  give  up ! 

Richard. 
Oh,  mother,  mother,  forgive  me !  forgive  me— 
I  didn't  realize !    I  didn't  know  the  wrong  I  was 
doing ! 

Forgive  me !    Forgive  me  ! 

Miss  Leland. 
{Trying  to  quiet  Richard.) 
You  were  not  to  blame,  Richard, 
You  were  not  to  blame. 

Mrs.  Raford. 
No,  no,  no ! 

He  was  not  to  blame! 
He  was  not  to  blame ;  he  was  only  a  boy ! 

Mr.  Coleman. 
Of  course,  Richard  was  only  aboy,  only  twenty- 
one,  led  on  by  a  designing,  unprincipled 

Richard. 
{Interrupting.) 
No,  no,  that  isn't  true !    It's  a  lie ! 


130  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

{To  Mrs.  Raford.) 

Don't  blame  her  mother. 

It  was  I  who  sought  her. 

I  followed  her. 

I  hunted  her. 

She  was  in  Warmen's. 

At  the  glove  counter. 

I  knew  of  my  chum's  affairs. 

I  knew  their  methods. 

She  got  but  six  a  week ;  she  had  to  dress ;  pay 
her  room  rent ;  her  car  fare,  buy  her  food. 

I  knew  she  had  no  pleasures, — never  a  theatre, 
never  an  evening's  recreation,  not  even  a  decent 
room  to  live  in. 

I  knew  all  this. 

I  knew  it  would  lead  to  hopelessness — to  de- 
spair, to  desperation. 

I  waited ! 

I  waited  till  the  right  time  came ! 

I  made  her  long  for  the  things  I  could  buy  her ; 

I  even  pretended  to  love  her ! 

I  hunted  her;  I  hunted  her!  She  was  help- 
less ! 

The  conditions  were  all  against  her ! 

Miss  Leland. 
They  are  all  helpless ! 
It  is  one  man  or  another! 

It's  one  of  your  class,  or  it's  one  of  their  own 
class ! 

Boys  receive  double  the  pay  the  girls  do ! 
The  extra  pay  is  the  purchase  price! 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  131 

Richard. 
Oh,  my  God,  mother ! 
Don't  blame  her ! 
Conditions  are  all  wrong! 
They  were  all  against  her ! 
I  was  wrong;  she  was  good. 
She  even  forgave  me ! 

Never  spoke  to  anyone  of  the  wrong  I  did  her ! 
What  a  beast  I  was ! 

Miss  Leland. 
{Sympathetically,  not  as  a  preachment.) 
It  is  not  the  case  of  one  man,  but  of  thousands 
of  men ! 

Under  present  conditions 

Mrs.  Raford. 
(Rising  and  interrupting.) 
But  the  present   conditions   are   wrong!     All 
wrong ! 

I've  been  working  blindly  in  the  past;  I  see 
more  clearly  now ! 

Man  and  women  must  work  together. 

(Looking  at  audience.) 
It  is  man's  nature  to  seek,  to  fight  for  what  he 
wants, — to  conquer ! 

He  willingly  fights  to  the  death  to  protect  his 
own — his  wife — his  children — but  only  woman 
has  the  mother  love — only  woman  makes  univer- 
sal sacrifice. 

(Objectively  to  others  about  her.) 
Our    wrongs,  —  woman's    wrongs,    and    the 
wrongs  of  our  children — will  never  be  righted 


132  Mrs.  Raford^  Humanist 

till  woman  has  the  privilege  of  working  with 
man ! 

{Half  to   herself,  half  to   Richard  and 
Miss  Leland.) 

We've  a  right  to  that  privilege  and  we'll  fight 
for  it ! 

(Richard  rises.) 

It  is  the  problem  of  restoring  to  woman, 
motherhood  and  the  larger  vision  of  the  home, — 
for  the  home  extends  wherever  the  child  may 
be — into  the  streets,  the  schools,  the  factory,  the 
office! 

{More  intense.) 

Once  our  schools  were  small  and  were  near  our 
home.  We  knew  all  the  conditions  surrounding 
them. 

Now,  they  are  further  away  and  not  the 
mother,  but  politics,  is  the  dominating  factor ! 

Once  we  had  the  right  of  knowing  where  our 
children's  food  came  from  and  out  of  what  it  was 

composed 

{Turning  to   Farson   and   Coleman   in- 
tense) 
But  man  has  taken  that  privilege  from  us ! 

Our  food  now  comes  from  the  dairy, — the  can- 
nery— the  bakery — the  market — we  do  not  know 
who  handles  it  or  how  they  may  pollute  or 
poison  it ! 

But  we  have  a  right  to  know — an  inherent 
mother  right ! 

Once  our  children  worked  with  us  in  our  homes 
or  in  shops  near  our  homes,  but  now  millions  of 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  133 

them  go  to  the  factories !  They  work  in  the  cold 
— they  work  in  the  dark — their  bodies  are 
dwarfed  and  their  minds  are  stunted! 

And  we  are  given  no  legal  right  to  regulate  the 
conditions  under  which  they  work ! 
{More  emotional.) 

Our  right — the  woman's  right — the  mothers 
right  has  been  taken  from  her ! 

Man  grinds  out  cheap  goods  from  the  ill  paid 
labor  of  boys  and  girls  ! 

He  accumulates  thousands  of  dollars  per  an- 
num. 

He  surfeits  his  own  wife  and  children  with 
luxuries,  but  he  cares  nothing  for  the  wives  and 
children  of  other  men— they  are  so  many  tools 
of  industry  to  him — to  be  used,  worn  out,  and 
tossed  aside  when  no  longer  of  value ! 

Oh,  I  did  not  understand  before — but  now  I  do. 
Now  I  understand ;  I  see  our  boys  sulf  ering  un- 
der the  burden  of  ceaseless  work,  the  long,  long 
hours  for  innumerable  days — the  helplessness — 
the  hopelessness^ — the  endlessness  of  it  all ! 

I  see  our  girls — exhausted,  breaking  under  the 
nervous  strain,  wearied  to  death — paid  but  half 
what  the  men  are  paid — enough  only  for  meagre 
existence — no  pleasures,  no  recreations  except 
those  supplied  by  men  ! 

Mr.  Coleman. 

But  such  conditions  have  always  existed ! 
We  cannot  do  away  with  inequality ! 


134  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

Mrs.  Raford. 

But  woman  has  a  right  to  equahty ;  a  right  to 
life ;  a  right  to  work ! 

She  was  created  the  helpmate  of  man.  not  his 
slave ! 

But  man  has  taken  woman's  work  from  her. 

Either  he  gowns  her,  bejewels  her,  surrounds 
her  with  extravagances,  or  he  forces  her  to  the 
factory  or  the  brothel. 

Oh,  man  may  boast  of  progress  in  science,  in 
industry,  in  commerce — he  may  turn  out  thous- 
ands of  yards  of  cloth,  he  may  mine  millions  of 
tons  of  coal,  he  may  unearth  a  billion  tons  of 
silver  and  gold — he  may  prepare  food  in  his  fac- 
tories for  a  hundred  million  people ;  he  may  build 
museums  and  libraries  and  universities — he  may 
endow  churches  and  hospitals  and  almshouses — 
but,  working  alone,  he  has  failed  !    He  has  failed ! 

Of  what  value  are  all  our  commerce  shows? 
Our  industrial  expositions?  Our  conferences  on 
art?  Our  ecclesiastical  gatherings?  Our  talk 
about  morality  and  religion? 

Of  what  use  are  all  these  if  the  thin,  joyless 
faces  of  poverty-stricken  children  peer  out  at  us 
from  broken  windows  and  darkened  corners — if 
the  bleached  faces  of  the  children  of  the  help- 
lessly rich  look  into  our  eyes,  hopelessly  pleading 
for  something  to  do? 

H  young  girls  and  young  men,  because  of  in- 
dustrial conditions,  because  of  the  economic  law 
of  supply  and  demand  are  helplessly  forced  into 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  135 

lives  of  hopeless  immorality — of  what  can  man 
boast? 

(Emphatically  to  Farson  and  Coleman.) 

When  I  tried  in  a  small  way  to  remedy  condi- 
tions on  my  own  properties,  you,  who  were 
trusted  by  my  father,  opposed,  deceived,  betrayed 
me! 

When  I  attempted  to  have  your  trusteeship  dis- 
charged, you  hindered  me  by  legal  technicalities 
and  court  proceedures ! 

And  now  you  threaten  Richard  with  black- 
mail ! 

And  to  protect  me,  to  save  me  from  shame  and 
suffering,  to  save  the  name  of  Raford  from  dis- 
honor, he  abandons  his  ambition  for  a  career,  he 
abandons  all  his  plans  for  the  public  good,  all  his 
cherished  hopes  to  be  of  service  in  the  world ! 
To  protect  me — to  save  me — to  save  me  from 
you — he  acquiesces  in  your  demand ! 

(Majestically.) 
But  he  shall  not  withdraw ! 
He  shall  continue  the  fight ! 

(Richard's  face  very  intense.) 
Oh,  I  despise  you — I  abhor  you — but  I  thank 
you  for  forcing  me  to  see  the  larger  vision. 

(Turns  quickly,  steps  to  electric   button, 
right  of  center  arch,  presses  it,  very  ob- 
viously several  times,  then  quickly  re- 
turns to  former  position.) 
(To  Farson  and  Coleman.) 
At  first  it  was  only  my  properties,  my  responsi- 
bilities, my  problem — now  it  is  the  problem  of  all 


136  Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist 

womanhood — woman     and     man — working     to- 
gether to  redeem  ourselves  and  our  children ! 

(Jean  enters  in  ansiver  to   ring;  stands 
near   right    arch    zvaiting   for    instruc- 
tions. ) 
We  are  in  the  midst  of  a  social  revolution — a 
revolution  for  the  betterment  of  man — for  the 
restoration  of  woman ! 

I  know  such  a  conflict  means  service  and  sacri- 
fice! 

I  am  ready  to  serve ;  I  am  willing  to  sacrifice ; 
to  sacrifice  wealth,  social  prestige  and  position ! 

(To  Farson  and  Coleman  direct.) 
You  may  hinder  us ! 
You  may  delay  us ! 
You  may  retard  us ! 

You  may  even  defeat  us  in  the  coming  cam- 
paign, but  in  the  end  we  shall  gain  the  victory ! 

You  may  seek  to  blacken  Richard's  reputation, 
you  seek  to  intimidate  me ;  you  may  seek  to  gain 
your  end  by  scandal,  and  libel,  and  bribery,  and 
blackmail.  But  I'll  defeat  you! 
(To  Jean.) 
Jean,  tell  Parker  to  'phone  for  reporters  of  all 
the  papers  I  To  come  here  at  once !  Here  to  my 
home ! 

Richard. 
(In  protest  and  astonishment.) 
Mother ! 

Mrs.  Raford. 
(To    Coleman    and    Farson,    ignoring 
Richard's  interruption.) 


Mrs.  Raford,  Humanist  137 

I  defy  you,  I  defy  your  organization. 

I, — I,  myself  will  give  the  entire  story  of  Rich- 
ard's wrong  to  the  public ! 

I'll  give  it  to  the  press ! 

I'll  have  them  publish  it  far  and  wide ! 

But  I'll  also  make  public  the  part  you  have 
played ! 

And  I  know  the  people  will  understand ! 

I'll  do  it  willingly ;  I'll  do  it  gladly, 

(Richard  puts  his  arm  about  his  mother) 
for  in  the  future  I  see  man  and  woman  working 
together ! 

Not  man  alone,  nor  woman  alone — but  men  and 
women  as  humanists — together! 


CURTAIN. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 

Los  Angeles 
This  book  is  DUE  on  the  last  date  stamped  below. 


RION      (vrp    S-flft 


iT  1 5  1988 


«/988 


Form  L9-50m-4,'61(B8994s4)444 


PR6003.       B8150: 


3  1158  01291  29 


uc 


SOUTHERN  REGIONAL  LIBRARY  FACIU-W 


AA    000  372  727    8 


